Mumbai, 09 Mar (HS):

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has warned of stern action

against illegal taxi operators, including bike taxis, around Mumbai. The

permits of some agencies have been suspended temporarily.Sarnaik was responding

to the issue raised by Sunil Shinde in the Legislative Council on Monday.

Based on Central Government Moto Vehicles

Aggregator Guidelines 2020, policy for operating two-wheeler e-bikes has been

prepared, which was approved by the Maharashtra Cabinet on August 7, 2024.

Accordingly e-bike taxi services were allowed in cities with population over

one lakh, Sarnaik said.

As per the policy, only e-bikes taxis are

allowed to be operated and were granted time period for fulfilling all the

requirements.

Uber India Systems Pvt Ltd, Rapido

Transportation Services Pvt Ltd and Any Technologies Pvt Ltd (Ola) were issued Provisional

Licence for 30 days for fulfilling all the required conditions. Some companies

started operations without fulfilling the conditions. Complaints relating to

exploitation of passengers, accidents and security of women were received.

Offences based on these complaints have been registered and notices issued to

the related companies.

Sarnaik informed that through various RTOs

action against 130 illegal bike taxi has been initiated and Rs 30 lakh fine

recovered. The government has taken steps to ensure to regulate the operations

of safe, secured and proper services of e-bike taxis.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar