Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Marathi Crackdown Tests Migrant Drivers Despite Classes
Maharashtra has a rule asking migrant auto and taxi drivers to learn Marathi.
On the fourth day of checks, transport officials tested drivers near Ghatkopar railway station.
They asked drivers to show how well they could speak Marathi.
Most drivers seemed to pass the simple test.
Some drivers had trouble answering.
Mritunjay Singh had attended the training classes and showed a completion certificate.
Even so, he was served a notice.
Officials also checked other drivers who had taken part in the 105-day campaign.
Maharashtra’s Marathi language rule crackdown reached its fourth day on Monday, August 24.
Regional transport offices deployed flying squads to check auto and taxi drivers’ Marathi-speaking skills.
Officials from the Wadala RTO tested drivers near Ghatkopar railway station.
Most drivers appeared to pass the basic test, but some struggled to respond.
Notices were served even to drivers who had attended the 105-day language campaign, including Mritunjay Singh.
- Who
- Maharashtra government officials, regional transport officers, and migrant auto and taxi drivers.
- What
- Flying squads tested drivers’ Marathi proficiency and served notices, including to some drivers who had attended language classes.
- When
- The fourth day of the crackdown, Monday, August 24.
- Where
- Near the entry point of Ghatkopar railway station; the checks were conducted by the Wadala RTO.
- Why
- To enforce Maharashtra’s Marathi language rule for migrant auto and taxi drivers.
Enforcement Authorities
Migrant Drivers
Language testing
Enforcement Authorities
RTO flying squads conducted on-ground Marathi proficiency checks as part of enforcing the state’s language rule.
Migrant Drivers
Drivers were required to demonstrate Marathi skills, and some struggled despite attending the training sessions.
Training and notices
Enforcement Authorities
Officials continued serving notices during the crackdown, including when drivers presented evidence of training.
Migrant Drivers
Drivers such as Mritunjay Singh showed certificates proving they had completed the programme but still received notices.
- Crackdown day
- Fourth day
- Date
- Monday, August 24
- Campaign length
- 105 days
- Officials involved
- Four officials from the Wadala RTO at the Ghatkopar location
- Drivers checked
- Auto and taxi drivers
- Test result
- Most appeared to clear the basic Marathi test
- Notices
- Served even to some drivers who had attended the language sessions