Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Maharashtra Reviews Ola, Uber, Rapido Licences After Deadline
Maharashtra has created new rules for app-based taxi companies.
Ola, Uber and Rapido were supposed to get licences by September 1, but they had not received them by the deadline.
The government has not ordered the services to stop immediately.
A minister will meet the companies on September 4 to discuss what happens next.
In Pune, some applications for cab and e-bike taxi services are still waiting for approval.
The rules limit how much passengers can be charged and say drivers must receive at least 80% of the fare.
Drivers must also meet training, licensing and working-hour requirements.
Passengers hope the rules will stop drivers from asking for extra money outside the apps.
Ola, Uber and Rapido missed Maharashtra’s September 1 licensing deadline under the new aggregator framework.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik is scheduled to meet the companies on September 4 before the state decides its next steps.
No immediate shutdown has been announced, and Pune authorities are awaiting instructions from the state transport department.
The rules require licences, cap fares at 1.5 times the base rate, and require drivers to receive at least 80% of fares.
Commuters continue to report drivers demanding higher direct payments after app bookings are cancelled, especially during peak demand.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Ola, Uber, Rapido, drivers and commuters.
- What
- The state is reviewing the consequences of Ola, Uber and Rapido missing the licensing deadline under its new aggregator rules.
- When
- The licensing deadline was September 1, and the companies are scheduled to meet Pratap Sarnaik on September 4.
- Where
- Maharashtra, including Pune.
- Why
- The companies had not obtained the licences required under the state’s new aggregator framework.
Regulatory and commuter concerns
Operational and business implications
Enforcement after the missed deadline
Regulatory and commuter concerns
The Maharashtra government has questioned why the companies did not complete licensing despite having time, while commuters want stronger action against overcharging.
Operational and business implications
No immediate shutdown has been announced, and the companies’ services may continue while the state considers whether to allow more time or take enforcement action.
Impact of the new rules
Regulatory and commuter concerns
Fare limits, cancellation rules and enforcement could protect passengers from being charged more than the app fare.
Operational and business implications
Licensing, fare restrictions and the requirement to pay drivers at least 80% could increase compliance costs and affect how platforms set prices and commissions.
Effects on drivers
Regulatory and commuter concerns
The 80% fare-share requirement and ability to work with multiple aggregators could improve drivers’ earnings and flexibility.
Operational and business implications
Drivers must also satisfy licensing, badge and training requirements, follow the 12-hour limit and face enforcement of fare and cancellation rules.
- Licensing deadline
- September 1
- Planned government meeting
- Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik is expected to meet the three companies on September 4.
- Licence duration
- Three years
- Driver fare share
- At least 80% of the fare collected
- Fare range
- Up to 25% below the approved base fare and up to 1.5 times the base fare during permitted surge periods
- Driver work limit
- No more than 12 consecutive hours
- Passenger protection
- Travel insurance provisions of up to Rs 5 lakh
- Pune base fare
- Rs 37 for the first 1.5 kilometres, followed by Rs 25 per kilometre