Maharashtra News: App-based ride-hailing platforms, including Ola, Uber and Rapido, have been directed to comply with Maharashtra’s new aggregator regulations by September 1, failing which they could face
penal action.
The Maharashtra government has instructed all transport aggregators operating in the state to complete registration with the Transport Department and obtain licences issued by the State Transport Authority under the Maharashtra Aggregator Policy, 2025 and the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2026.
Officials have warned that companies operating without the required registration or violating the new norms will face strict action.
What Is The September 1 Deadline?
According to the Transport Department’s directive, ride-hailing companies have been given one month to complete all documentation and registration formalities required under the new policy.
From September 1, aggregators that fail to comply with the regulations risk enforcement action by the state government, as reported by The Indian Express.
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the move aims to bring passenger transport services used by lakhs of commuters under a proper legal framework. “Citizens must certainly have access to facilities through technology. However, no one will be permitted to bypass the law and compromise passenger safety in the name of convenience,” Sarnaik said.
What Will Change For Ola, Uber And Rapido?
The new rules introduce several mandatory requirements for ride-hailing platforms operating in Maharashtra.
Registration And Licence Mandatory
All transport aggregators must:
- Register with the Maharashtra Transport Department.
- Obtain a licence from the State Transport Authority.
- Renew the licence every three years.
Without these approvals, companies will not be permitted to operate legally in the state.
Only Commercial Vehicles Allowed
The government has made it clear that only vehicles registered as commercial passenger transport vehicles will be allowed on aggregator platforms.
Every vehicle must also have:
- A valid commercial permit.
- Valid insurance.
- All other required transport documents.
Private or non-commercial vehicles operating without valid permits will not be allowed to provide ride-hailing services.
Fivefold Penalty For Cancelling Certain Rides
One of the biggest changes introduced under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2026 is a fivefold penalty for drivers who cancel rides to key destinations, including airports, hospitals and railway stations. The measure is aimed at discouraging last-minute cancellations, particularly for passengers travelling for emergencies or time-sensitive journeys.
The provision aims to reduce last-minute cancellations that often inconvenience passengers travelling for emergencies or time-sensitive journeys.
Mandatory Driver Training
The new regulations also require all drivers associated with aggregator platforms to undergo a mandatory five-day induction training programme before operating on the platforms.
The training is intended to improve passenger safety, service quality and awareness of regulatory requirements.
Other Key Rules
The new framework also introduces:
- A grievance redressal mechanism for passengers.
- Rules governing ride pooling.
- Norms for the maintenance and operation of electric vehicle fleets.
- Measures to improve accountability and operational discipline among aggregators.
Why Has Maharashtra Introduced These Rules?
According to Transport Department officials, the new policy is designed to strengthen oversight of app-based taxi services, improve passenger safety and ensure greater accountability among aggregators.
Officials believe the framework will help regulate the rapidly growing ride-hailing sector while ensuring operators comply with uniform safety and operational standards.
With the September 1 deadline approaching, companies such as Ola, Uber and Rapido will now need to complete registration and licensing requirements to continue operating legally in Maharashtra.
