Maharashtra government makes Marathi mandatory for Ola, Uber, Rapido and taxi drivers
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has tightened rules for commercial passenger vehicles, making practical Marathi knowledge compulsory for Ola, Uber, Rapido and taxi drivers across the state.
Under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, drivers operating taxis, auto-rickshaws and app-based motor cabs will have to demonstrate working knowledge of Marathi. The rule applies not only to drivers but also to certain permit holders connected with passenger transport services.
The move has sparked discussions across Maharashtra as it combines language policy with transport regulation, impacting major cab platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido.
The Transport Department has said that basic Marathi communication is necessary because drivers directly interact with passengers every day. Officials believe local language skills can help resolve issues related to directions, fares, emergencies and passenger complaints more efficiently.
The government has argued that the amendment removes confusion in earlier rules and creates a clear legal framework for enforcement. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said that practical Marathi knowledge will help drivers communicate better with commuters and improve the overall passenger experience.
The amended rules modify provisions under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Under Rule 4(4), working knowledge of Marathi has been added as an eligibility requirement for authorisation related to public service vehicles.
Rule 78 has been amended to include Marathi knowledge as a condition linked to permits, while Rule 85 introduces similar requirements during permit renewal. For app-based motor cabs fitted with electronic meters, a specific provision under Rule 22(3A) allows authorities to take action against drivers who fail to meet the language requirement.
Drivers found violating the Marathi language requirement may face regulatory action from licensing authorities. The process includes written notice and assessment by the competent authority. If a driver continues to remain non-compliant, the authorisation attached to the driving licence can be suspended for up to three months. Repeated violations may result in cancellation of the relevant authorisation.
To help drivers meet the new requirement, the Maharashtra Transport Department has started Marathi language training programmes through Regional Transport Offices and language centres. The department has partnered with organisations including Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh for conducting training sessions.
Officials said more than 1.10 lakh non-Marathi passenger vehicle drivers have completed the basic four-hour training programme. Certificates for trained drivers are expected to be distributed at an official event in Thane, where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are scheduled to participate.
The Marathi language requirement is part of a wider aggregator policy introduced by Maharashtra to regulate app-based transport services. The government has proposed stricter monitoring of cab companies to address complaints related to high fares, passenger safety and driver earnings.
Under the new framework, aggregator companies will have to operate 24-hour customer support centres and appoint dedicated grievance officers for passenger complaints. GPS tracking and digital monitoring of vehicles will also become mandatory to improve safety standards.
One of the biggest concerns among passengers has been sudden fare increases during rain, festivals and peak travel hours. The Maharashtra government plans to regulate surge pricing by bringing base fares under the supervision of the Regional Transport Authority. Cab companies will not be allowed to increase fares arbitrarily during high-demand periods.
The new aggregator policy also focuses on protecting drivers from excessive platform commissions. The government has proposed that drivers should receive at least 80 per cent of the total fare collected from passengers.
To prevent market dominance by large operators, restrictions have been placed on vehicle ownership limits on aggregator platforms. In Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur, a single owner will be allowed to register a maximum of 50 vehicles on a platform, while other parts of Maharashtra will have a 25-vehicle limit.
For passengers, the government expects the new rules to improve communication, safety and transparency in app-based travel. Women passengers using ride-pooling services may receive additional safety options, including preferences related to women drivers or co-passengers where available.
For drivers, especially those who migrated from other states, the new language requirement could create additional compliance pressure. However, the government has introduced training programmes to reduce difficulties.
The decision has triggered debate between supporters who view Marathi knowledge as important for local communication and critics who are concerned about additional barriers for migrant workers. Transport unions and driver groups are closely watching how the rule will be implemented and how language assessments will be conducted.
The bigger challenge for the government will be ensuring that enforcement remains transparent while balancing regional language promotion with employment opportunities.
The Maharashtra Transport Department is expected to continue monitoring compliance through Regional Transport Offices. Authorities will focus on driver training, certificate verification and implementation of the amended rules across cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur.
As app-based transportation continues to expand, Maharashtra’s policy could become a model for other states looking to regulate digital mobility platforms, passenger safety and local language requirements.
