Uber’s License Revocation
“We directed them to submit necessary documents; however they did not submit any of them, prompting us to take a decision to revoke their temporary licenses across Maharashtra,” stated Pratap Sarnaik, a key official in the Maharashtra government. This announcement came on March 9, 2026, when the state revoked provisional bike taxi licenses for Uber, Ola, and Rapido, citing multiple regulatory violations.
The licenses were initially granted in September 2025 under the Maharashtra E-Bike Taxi Rules, 2024, which mandate that all operations must utilize 100% electric vehicles. The revocation was triggered by the companies’ failure to comply with these regulations, including not submitting required documentation and addressing complaints of harassment from women riders.
Prior to this decision, the Maharashtra government had introduced the E-Bike Taxi Rules to create employment opportunities for local youth and to regulate the burgeoning bike taxi industry. However, the situation escalated when the state received numerous complaints regarding the safety of women passengers using these services, raising concerns that led to the current regulatory actions.
This is not the first time bike taxi services have faced a ban in Maharashtra. The state had previously prohibited such services in January 2023, reflecting ongoing challenges in managing the sector. The provisional licenses granted to these platforms allowed them a 30-day window to secure final approval and meet all regulatory conditions, which they failed to achieve.
In addition to the license revocation, the Maharashtra government has suspended the issuance of new auto rickshaw permits statewide as of the same date. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage urban traffic and address the increasing number of autorickshaws on the roads. Sarnaik noted, “The decision was taken in view of the growing number of autorickshaws and the pressure on urban traffic.”
Since the introduction of the E-Bike Taxi Rules, the transport department has taken action against 130 bike taxis, imposing fines totaling more than Rs 33 lakh. This enforcement underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring compliance within the transportation sector.
Looking ahead, Sarnaik indicated that the ban could be lifted if Uber and other companies comply with the necessary regulations. “It is only temporary. If they follow our norms and the terms and conditions of the permits, we will give the permits again,” he stated, leaving the door open for future operations under strict compliance.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific steps Uber and its competitors will take in response to the revocation. The state will consider lifting the ban if the companies submit the required documents and assure adherence to the established rules.
