The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday approved the introduction of electric bike taxis in cities with a population of at least one lakh. This initiative aims to provide an affordable travel option for solo commuters, particularly for distances up to 15 kilometers.
According to the Transport Department, this move is expected to significantly reduce solo travel costs in Mumbai, bringing fares down from approximately ₹100 to just ₹30-40. The scheme will be implemented not only in Mumbai but also in other major urban centers across the state.
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that the initiative would generate over 10,000 jobs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and an equal number across the rest of Maharashtra, contributing to employment growth while enhancing urban mobility.
According to Transport Minister, the decision was made to provide solo travelers with an alternative to auto-rickshaws and taxis. To ensure the safety of women passengers, necessary provisions will be included in the policy. E-bike taxis will also be required to have protective coverings during monsoons. Furthermore, when a woman passenger is traveling, it will be the responsibility of the driver to install a barricade between them for safety.
Rs 10,000 Financial Aid for Auto and Taxi Drivers’ Children
- Members of the Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Auto-Taxi Corporation will be eligible for a Rs 10,000 Financial Aid to help their children enter the e-bike taxi business.
- In the future, they may also get loans for e-bikes without any upfront cost, enabling them to start their own businesses independently.
However, concerns have been raised about the impact of e-bike taxis in cities like Mumbai and Pune, where traffic congestion is already high.
Transport expert A.V. Shenoy warned that adding e-bike taxis could worsen road discipline and increase the risk of accidents. He suggesteAd that such services should be implemented in Tier-2 cities instead. He also emphasized the need for clear insurance policies to protect passengers in case of accidents, as bike-related accidents often result in severe injuries.
