In a decisive move to protect commuter safety and uphold the law, Maharashtra Transport Commissioner IAS Vivek Bhimanwar has launched a stringent crackdown against illegal bike taxi operations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The action comes after the Transport Department received multiple complaints regarding unauthorized bike taxi services operating through unverified mobile apps.
Guided by the directive of Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar promptly instructed the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to initiate a coordinated action plan.
As per Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, operating any form of passenger transport service requires government authorization – a rule blatantly violated by some app-based operators and bike taxi drivers. The Transport Commissioner emphasized that such operations not only violate the law but also endanger public safety and result in significant revenue loss to the state.
Under Bhimanwar’s leadership, 20 RTO units across Mumbai, Thane, Vasai, Vashi, and Panvel launched a joint enforcement drive. The operation led to the seizure of 123 illegal vehicles, including 78 bike taxis, and cases have been registered against the violators. Legal proceedings are also underway against the operators of unlicensed apps facilitating this unlawful transport.
Commissioner Bhimanwar stated that no compromise will be made when it comes to public safety, and warned that stricter surveillance and action will continue in the coming weeks. His bold stand reflects the government’s zero-tolerance approach toward unlawful passenger transport in Maharashtra.
