Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Electric Bike Taxi Service to Boost Urban Mobility

The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a proposal to introduce electric bike taxi services in cities with a population of over 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.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the decision following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Sahyadri Guest House. Under the new policy, only electric bike taxis will be permitted under the transport category. The eligibility criteria restrict drivers to those between 20 and 50 years of age, and women passengers will have the option to choose a female driver for added safety.

The policy is expected to generate approximately 20,000 jobs in urban areas, with nearly 10,000 positions in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region alone. To address safety concerns, the government is working on specific regulations, including the introduction of e-bikes designed to withstand monsoon conditions. These bikes will feature partitions between the driver and pillion rider, along with a roof cover.

To encourage the transition to electric bike taxis, the state is considering a subsidy of ₹10,000 for autorickshaw and taxi drivers. Additionally, children of government-certified rickshaw and taxi drivers will be eligible to apply for financial aid under the scheme.

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

This initiative is in line with the recommendations of a committee led by Ramnath Jha, which was tasked with formulating an aggregator framework for bike taxi services. Under the policy, aggregators will be required to operate electric bikes painted yellow and comply with strict regulations, including GPS installation, emergency communication facilities, speed monitoring, insurance coverage, and driver background verification. The revenue model for the service is currently being finalized and is expected to be announced soon.