The Maharashtra government has approved the E-Bike Taxi Policy, allowing two-wheelers to operate as taxis across the state. But transport experts and a government-appointed committee have flagged concerns, especially for Mumbai and Pune.
What’s the Issue?
A special committee led by retired IAS officer Ramanath Jha had earlier recommended excluding Mumbai and Pune from this policy due to already overcrowded roads and rising two-wheeler traffic.
According to the Maharashtra Economic Survey 2024-25:
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Mumbai alone has over 30 lakh two-wheelers.
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That’s 1,578 bikes per kilometre of road.
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The number of bikes is growing faster than the state average.
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Over 2.6 lakh auto rickshaws are already operating in the city.
Experts fear that adding e-bike taxis could lead to:
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Increased traffic congestion
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More road accidents
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Overburdened infrastructure
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Violation of traffic rules
Why the Policy Was Still Approved?
Despite the warnings, the Maharashtra transport department is going ahead with the policy, hoping it will:
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Create job opportunities
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Allow bike owners to register with taxi aggregators
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Promote shared and affordable transport
What Experts Are Saying
Transport expert A.V. Shenoy from the Mumbai Mobility Forum said,
“In cities like Mumbai, where many gig workers already ride bikes recklessly to meet delivery targets, adding e-bike taxis without regulation can be risky.”
Experts also pointed out that charging stations for electric vehicles are still lacking, which could make implementation difficult. Maharashtra’s decision aims to boost employment and last-mile connectivity, but experts say it needs strict enforcement, better urban planning, and local consultation to avoid turning city roads into chaos.
