The state government’s recent approval of electric bike taxis in Mumbai has sparked a storm of reactions, as it aims to transform the city’s transportation landscape while tackling pollution. The move is expected to create 20,000 jobs across Maharashtra, with 10,000 employment opportunities in Mumbai alone.
These e-bikes, designed to reduce carbon emissions, are seen as a step towards cleaner urban mobility, but the plan has met with opposition from transport unions, urban planners, and concerned citizens alike. The Transport Minister, in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, emphasised that the e-bike taxis would make commuting more affordable, with fares expected to be significantly lower than current rates. A trip, which would typically cost Rs 100, is expected to drop to around Rs 30-40. While the pricing structure is still under discussion, the focus is clearly on making travel more accessible for the public. “The introduction of e-bikes is aimed at reducing the cost of travel while providing jobs,” the Minister stated, adding that only e-bikes will be used to ensure minimal environmental impact.
However, as the government celebrates the employment potential of this initiative, critics are raising serious concerns. Transport unions, notably the Mumbai Auto-men’s Union, have strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that it will lead to chaos on the streets. “The government will have no control over bike aggregators, much like the earlier issues faced with ride-sharing apps. This will result in unregulated operations and a chaotic situation on the roads,” said a union leader. Urban experts have also expressed their reservations, particularly regarding the road safety aspect. Mumbai, known for its already congested streets, might not be the ideal setting for an influx of e-bikes, according to senior transport analyst A V Shenoy. “With narrow roads and increasing vehicle volume, adding more two-wheelers will only contribute to further traffic congestion,” Shenoy pointed out. He also suggested that dedicated lanes or corridors could be a potential solution to mitigate the risks of overcrowding and accidents.
The government, however, is taking measures to address some of these concerns. Only riders aged between 20 and 50 will be eligible to operate the e-bike taxis, and female passengers will have the option to choose female riders for added safety. Additionally, the government has approved the concept of bike pooling for private two-wheelers, which aims to further reduce the number of vehicles on the road. To ensure passenger safety, the government is working on developing specific regulations that will govern operations, including fitness certificates for bikes and insurance coverage under the Motor Vehicles Act.
For residents, the promise of affordable, eco-friendly transport options is appealing, but many remain cautious. As urban planning expert Lt General Sunil Jog (retired) highlighted, the growing population of two-wheelers could exacerbate the traffic situation unless there is stricter control over the number of bikes on the road. “There is already a challenge with controlling traffic volumes, and these e-bikes could just add to the pressure on narrow roads,” he said.
Moreover, the lack of a comprehensive infrastructure plan to support this sudden surge in two-wheeled transport remains a point of concern. The absence of proper road conditions, as well as the increasing strain on existing civic resources such as water supply and waste management, suggests that Mumbai’s urban growth is outpacing its ability to maintain basic infrastructure. The state government is also planning to encourage rickshaw drivers to switch to e-bike taxis by offering grants for the children of rickshaw drivers to enter the business, thus ensuring that those without capital can still benefit from this new opportunity. While this initiative may alleviate some of the financial burden on individuals looking to invest in an e-bike, the success of this plan remains to be seen.
While e-bike taxis have the potential to revolutionise urban transportation by creating jobs and reducing pollution, the growing concerns around road safety and urban congestion cannot be ignored. As Mumbai continues to grapple with rapid urbanisation, a balanced approach that addresses both the opportunities and challenges of this new mobility solution will be critical in determining its success.
