Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 10: The Maharashtra government on Friday released draft rules to regulate app-based aggregators of public transport vehicles, aligning with the guidelines issued by the Centre. The state has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders until October 17.

The framework, issued under the “Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2025”, aims to govern digital aggregators and operators of motor cabs, tourist cabs, luxury cabs, contract carriage buses, camper vans, and other similar public transport vehicles — excluding motorcycle services.

Earlier this year, the state had notified the Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules, 2025 to regulate bike-taxi services.

“These draft rules are expected to enhance passenger confidence, safety, and service quality in the app-based taxi sector. The introduction of clear working limits and welfare provisions will help prevent the exploitation of drivers,” said State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.

A senior transport department official said the draft conforms to the Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 issued by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The central guidelines aim to establish a “light-touch regulatory system” that ensures user safety and driver welfare while encouraging innovation and competition in the transport aggregator sector.