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Maharashtra revokes Ola, Uber, Rapido bike taxi licences
Temporary e-bike taxi permits cancelled as firms fail to meet state rules
MUMBAI: Maharashtra’s roads are set to see fewer zipping two-wheelers after the state government pulled the plug on provisional licences granted to bike taxi giants Ola, Uber and Rapido. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced in the Legislative Council on Monday that temporary permissions would be revoked.
“These companies were given permission for just a month and were required to submit certain documents. Since they have not complied, their temporary licences are cancelled. This is to ensure illegal bikes do not operate on our roads,” Sarnaik said.
The move follows the Maharashtra E Bike Taxi Rules 2024, designed to generate employment for local youth and offer commuters a cheaper, greener ride option. The rules, approved in August 2024, allow electric bike taxis in cities with over one lakh residents.
Under the policy, only electric vehicles can ply as taxis, and operators had 30 days to fulfil licensing and compliance requirements. Yet, officials claim many continued operations without meeting these conditions. Sarnaik added that a large number of bike taxis currently running in Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region are illegal.
In a firm enforcement twist, the government has instructed authorities to focus on vehicle owners rather than riders when registering cases. Safety concerns, particularly for women passengers, and accident complaints have also been flagged by the transport department.
Since April 2024, Regional Transport Offices have taken action against 130 non-compliant bike taxis, collecting fines exceeding Rs 33 lakh. Authorities say further measures will follow to ensure services adhere to regulations before returning to city streets.
Maharashtra’s bike taxi saga has been a rollercoaster. Initially banned in January 2023 due to concerns over private vehicles ferrying passengers, the sector was later formalised through an electric bike framework in 2024. Provisional licences were granted in 2025, but the government now warns that any bike taxi operating on city roads without proper permits will be considered illegal.
Adding to the transport shake-up, the government has also halted the issuance of new auto rickshaw permits from March 9 to ease urban traffic pressures and safeguard livelihoods of existing drivers. A fresh standard operating procedure for future permits is set to go before the state cabinet soon.
Maharashtra commuters may have to find alternative rides as the state reins in its two-wheeled taxi revolution, leaving app-based bikers in a legal limbo.
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Namita Jadhav steps down as VP of corporate communications at JioStar
Media communications veteran wraps up a five month run as vice president at JioStar
MUMBAI: Namita Jadhav has moved on from JioStar, where she most recently served as vice president, corporate communications for enterprise, sports and policy comms, according to media reports.
Jadhav had stepped into the role in November 2025 after being elevated from director, corporate communications for enterprise, sports and policy comms, a position she held for a year. In total, her stint at JioStar lasted around one and a half years.
Before joining the company, Jadhav spent nearly two decades with The Walt Disney Company, building a long and steady career in communications and corporate social responsibility. She joined Disney in 2007 and went on to hold several leadership roles including assistant manager, manager, corporate communications, senior manager, corporate communications and CSR , associate director, corporate communications and CSR, and eventually director, corporate communications and CSR.
Across her 17 year tenure at Disney, she played a key role in shaping corporate messaging and strengthening stakeholder engagement across the media and entertainment ecosystem.
Earlier in her career, Jadhav worked at global communications firm Weber Shandwick, where she served as group head for more than six years.
With over two decades of experience spanning corporate communications, CSR and reputation management, Jadhav has built a reputation as a seasoned voice behind the scenes of some of the industry’s most prominent media brands. Her next move has not yet been announced.
