Maharashtra Approves E-Bike Taxi Service in Cities with Over 1 Lakh Population

The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a proposal to introduce electric bike taxi services in cities with a population exceeding one lakh.This initiative aims to enhance urban mobility by providing a cost-effective last-mile connectivity solution for short-distance travel of up to 15 kilometers.  

As per the report, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the decision following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Sahyadri guest house. The policy permits only electric bike taxis under the transport category, with eligibility criteria limiting drivers to those between 20 and 50 years of age. Women passengers will have the option to choose a female driver.  

The policy is expected to generate around 20,000 jobs in urban areas, with approximately 10,000 positions in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The government is also working on specific regulations for women’s safety and plans to introduce e-bikes designed to accommodate monsoon conditions, featuring partitions between the driver and pillion rider as well as a roof cover.  

The state is considering a subsidy of ₹10,000 for autorickshaw and taxi drivers interested in transitioning to electric bike taxis. Additionally, children of government-certified rickshaw and taxi drivers will be eligible to apply for financial aid under this scheme.  

The policy also includes provisions for bike-pooling on private two-wheelers to help reduce congestion. The fare structure for bike taxis will be regulated by the respective Regional Transport Authorities.  

The policy aligns with recommendations from a committee led by Ramnath Jha, which was tasked with formulating an aggregator framework for bike taxi services. Aggregators operating under this policy will be required to use electric bikes painted yellow and must comply with regulations such as GPS installation, emergency communication facilities, speed monitoring, insurance coverage, and driver background verification.  

The revenue model for the service is still being finalized and is expected to be announced soon.