Marathi Mandatory For Auto Drivers In Maharashtra; Licences May Be Cancelled From May 1 Over Language Rule
Marathi Mandatory For Auto Drivers In Maharashtra; Licences May Be Cancelled From May 1 Over Language Rule
Mumbai, April 11, 2026: The Maharashtra government has made it mandatory for auto-rickshaw drivers across the state to know and use the Marathi language, with strict enforcement and action planned from May 1, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Friday.
He warned that drivers who fail to comply with the requirement will face verification checks, and those found non-compliant risk having their licences cancelled. The decision was taken following directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in a recent MMRDA meeting.
The minister also stated that the government has taken action against illegal bike taxi operations and has temporarily suspended the licences of ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber, and Rapido in connection with regulatory concerns.
Major Infrastructure Push in Thane–MMR Region
To address increasing traffic congestion in the Thane–Mira-Bhayandar region, the government has fast-tracked the Metro Line 10 project from Gaumukh Retibandar to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk (Ghodbunder). The 9.7 km elevated corridor will soon enter the tendering stage, with construction expected to begin within the next few months.
The project, estimated at around ₹8,553 crore, is targeted for completion by 2029. It includes an extension from Dahisar–Kashigaon to Gaumukh and aims to significantly improve connectivity along the busy Ghodbunder Road corridor.
In addition, the government has approved widening Ghodbunder Road from 30 metres to 60 metres over a 5.5–6 km stretch, with an estimated cost of ₹1,200 crore. Compensation for affected landowners, including tribal communities, will be provided at government rates, along with development rights through TDR and FSI mechanisms.
Other Transport and Urban Mobility Projects
Authorities have also announced plans for pod taxi systems in Thane, Mira-Bhayandar, and Navi Mumbai under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are expected within six months.
Officials have directed that Ghodbunder Road widening works be completed before the monsoon, while ₹75 crore worth of electricity pole relocation work is scheduled for completion within three months to speed up infrastructure development across the region.
