In a major enforcement drive across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), State Transport Commissioner’s Office has launched a crackdown on illegal app-based bike taxi services operating without valid permits.
Prompted by numerous complaints from commuters and stakeholders, authorities carried out coordinated raids on Wednesday, resulting in action against 93 vehicles and the seizure of 85 unauthorized bike taxis. Legal proceedings, including criminal cases, have been initiated against the aggregators operating in violation of transport regulations.
Sources within the transport department revealed that several companies have been offering bike taxi services without the mandatory approvals required under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Section 93 of the Act, along with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, mandates that aggregators must secure proper licenses before launching any app-based passenger transport service. Despite these legal requirements, several firms have been operating in open defiance of the law.
A senior transport department official emphasized that unauthorized operations not only undermine legal service providers but also pose risks to passenger safety and public trust. “Such illegal services mislead both the government and users, and their growing presence has raised serious concerns,” the official said.
To address the issue, 20 rapid action teams from Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across key areas Mumbai, Thane, Vasai, Vashi, and Panvel were mobilized for the crackdown.
Officials have affirmed that the enforcement campaign will continue, with a strong focus on protecting commuter safety and upholding lawful transport practices throughout the region.
