Mumbai: Thousands of auto rickshaw drivers across Maharashtra took to the streets on Wednesday in a coordinated protest against the state government's recent decision to approve e-bike taxi and bike pooling services. It included a major demonstration outside the Andheri (West) RTO office in Mumbai.
The demonstrations, spearheaded by the Joint Action Committee of Auto Rickshaw Driver-Owner Associations, Maharashtra, were held outside Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in multiple regions, including Mumbai, Konkan, Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh, and rural districts.
One of the largest gatherings took place outside the Andheri (West) RTO in Mumbai, where protestors raised slogans and held placards demanding immediate revocation of the government's move.
Auto rickshaw drivers protest outside Andheri RTO against e-bike taxi and bike pooling approval and submitting memorandum | File Photo
Union leaders accused the government of acting unilaterally and ignoring the concerns of over 1.5 million auto rickshaw drivers in the state. "We had submitted our objections to the government-appointed committee, detailing how this decision would threaten our livelihoods, but our voices were ignored," said a representative of the Joint Action Committee.
The protestors argued that the introduction of e-bike taxis and bike pooling — under the guise of promoting self-employment — would disrupt the current public transport ecosystem, slashing their earnings and reducing demand for auto rickshaws.
In a formal memorandum submitted to government officials, the unions urged the state to immediately reverse its decision and consult existing transport stakeholders before implementing such changes.
To escalate their opposition, the unions announced the launch of a statewide signature campaign starting May 24, 2025. The campaign aims to mobilize support from auto rickshaw drivers and the general public.
All collected signatures will be presented to state authorities by mid-June. The unions have warned of intensified statewide agitation if the government does not revoke the approvals by June 25, 2025.
