Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 6: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Thursday said app-based taxi aggregators, including Ola, Uber and Rapido, must apply for an aggregator licence by September 1 or face action under the newly notified Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2026.

Speaking to reporters at Mantralaya in Mumbai, Sarnaik said the state government has already notified the aggregator rules and will grant licences to all eligible operators that apply within the stipulated deadline.

He said only Bharat Taxi and Deodatta Taxi have so far been granted aggregator licences, while other major operators have not yet sought permission from the government.

"Other aggregators have not sought permission from us so far, but we will give them a September 1 deadline," Sarnaik said.

The minister also directed Maharashtra Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar to issue a notification later in the day, formally communicating the deadline.

Sarnaik said aggregators submitting applications before September 1 would be granted licences, provided they comply with the provisions of the new rules. He warned that operators failing to obtain licences or violating the regulations would face action from the transport authorities.

The Maharashtra government notified the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2026 on July 15 to regulate app-based taxi services across the state.

The rules introduce a uniform regulatory framework, making aggregator licences mandatory while prescribing passenger safety measures, fare regulations and driver welfare provisions.

Under the new framework, every app-based aggregator operating in Maharashtra must obtain a licence from the competent authority along with a Unique Licence Identification Number (ULIN).

The notification also provides that licences issued under the previous framework will remain valid for 60 days from the commencement of the new rules or until fresh applications are decided, whichever is earlier.

The state government has reiterated that all app-based taxi aggregators must comply with the licensing requirements by September 1, failing which regulatory action will be initiated.