Maharashtra Approves Electric Bike Taxi Policy for Urban Areas
The Maharashtra government has given the green light to a landmark policy enabling the operation of electric bike taxis across urban areas in the state. This initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable transportation, improving last-mile connectivity, and creating employment opportunities while significantly reducing urban pollution.
Key Highlights of the Policy
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100% Electric Fleet: The policy mandates that only electric two-wheelers will be allowed to operate as bike taxis. This aligns with the state’s broader push toward eco-friendly urban mobility and climate goals.
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Urban Coverage: The policy is applicable to all cities in Maharashtra with a population of over one lakh, which includes major metropolitan hubs such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik.
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Distance Limitation: Bike taxi rides will be limited to a maximum of 15 kilometers, catering specifically to short urban commutes and offering a convenient alternative to congested public transit options.
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Enhanced Safety Features: All e-bike taxis must be equipped with partitions separating the rider and passenger, as well as monsoon-compatible roof covers to ensure comfort and safety throughout the year.
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Employment Generation: The initiative is expected to create over 20,000 new jobs across the state, particularly benefiting youth and underemployed urban workers.
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Subsidy for Marginalized Families: Children of autorickshaw and taxi drivers who are registered with government-approved boards or corporations will receive a ₹10,000 subsidy to help them purchase an e-bike and join the fleet, empowering financially vulnerable families.
Implementation and Future Plans
The state is currently developing a fair revenue model that will ensure affordable fares for commuters while maintaining viability for operators. Authorities have emphasized that this initiative is a step toward making Maharashtra a leader in green urban mobility, and more support infrastructure such as charging stations and digital ride-hailing platforms are expected to be rolled out alongside this policy.
