Maharashtra Govt Introduces New Rules For App-Based Cabs: GPS Tracking, Multilingual Apps, Women-Only Ride Pooling Among Key Measures
Maharashtra Govt Introduces New Rules For App-Based Cabs: GPS Tracking, Multilingual Apps, Women-Only Ride Pooling Among Key Measures
Mumbai, July 17, 2026: The Maharashtra government has introduced a comprehensive set of regulations for app-based taxi aggregators, making passenger safety, driver welfare and service accountability mandatory across the state.
Under the new rules, aggregators must provide 24×7 customer support, establish an effective grievance redressal system, enable real-time GPS tracking, obtain cyber security certification for their mobile applications and offer a live journey-sharing feature. The policy also mandates accessibility features for persons with disabilities and enforces a zero-tolerance policy against drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
All ride-hailing applications will be required to operate in Marathi, Hindi and English, making services more accessible to passengers across Maharashtra.
The regulations also strengthen driver welfare by requiring all drivers to hold valid driving licences and badges and complete mandatory training before joining the platform. Drivers cannot be assigned work for more than 12 consecutive hours, while retaining the freedom to operate on multiple aggregator platforms.
To improve service reliability, the policy introduces penalties for ride cancellations by both drivers and passengers. Aggregators must also provide replacement vehicles within specified timelines in the event of breakdowns. Additionally, stricter penalties have been prescribed for cancelling rides booked to airports, railway stations and hospitals.
The rules include special provisions for women commuters. Women choosing ride-pooling services will have the option to travel exclusively with other women passengers. The government has also brought private carpooling under a legal framework, allowing only the sharing of travel expenses while prohibiting commercial profit.
As part of Maharashtra’s push towards sustainable mobility, aggregators will be required to gradually increase the proportion of electric and alternative fuel vehicles in their fleets. They must also include vehicles specially adapted for persons with disabilities, in line with government directives.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the new framework is designed to make app-based transport services safer, more transparent and more accountable while safeguarding drivers’ interests, regulating fares and generating employment opportunities for local youth.
He said the policy marks a significant step towards building a safe, responsible, modern and sustainable aggregator ecosystem in Maharashtra by balancing three key objectives protecting drivers’ interests, ensuring passenger safety and creating employment opportunities for local youth.
