The Maharashtra government has ordered stricter verification of drivers working with app-based passenger transport services, including Ola, Uber and Rapido, following an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) operation
involving a Rapido bike-taxi driver in Mumbai’s Mahim area over alleged links to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
The Maharashtra Transport Department will intensify checks of drivers’ backgrounds, driving licences and other mandatory documents to ensure compliance with transport regulations and passenger safety requirements.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed senior officials of the Motor Transport Department to begin strict inspections and initiate legal proceedings against drivers found violating the rules. Cases will be registered wherever necessary, the minister said.
Ola, Uber And Rapido Drivers To Face Document Checks
The department’s proposed verification drive will cover drivers associated with app-based passenger transport platforms, with officials instructed to examine whether they possess valid licences and the required documents to operate legally.
The inspections will also focus on compliance with existing transport rules. Officials have been directed to conduct regular checks rather than treat verification as a one-time exercise.
Any discrepancies or violations identified during the inspections will be dealt with in accordance with the law. The department has stressed that drivers must meet the prescribed requirements before providing passenger transport services.
Transport Minister Directs Legal Action Against Violators
Pratap Sarnaik has asked senior Motor Transport Department officials to strengthen enforcement and ensure that passenger safety regulations are implemented more effectively across app-based transport services.
The minister emphasised the need for thorough driver verification and closer scrutiny of licences and other mandatory documents. Officials have been instructed to take appropriate legal action wherever inspections reveal violations.
The move follows the ATS operation involving the Rapido driver in Mahim. However, the alleged links to JeM remain allegations and should not be treated as established facts unless confirmed by the relevant authorities.
The department’s action is aimed at tightening regulatory oversight of app-based passenger transport services and ensuring that drivers comply with the rules governing their operations.
