Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Rapido Launches Marathi Learning Channels As Deadline Extension Is Sought
Maharashtra requires taxi and autorickshaw drivers to know practical Marathi.
Rapido created lessons to help its drivers learn the language.
The lessons are made separately for bike, auto and cab drivers.
Drivers can watch them on YouTube or find them through Rapido’s other communication channels.
They can study when it is convenient for them.
Congress MLA Amin Patel said drivers need more time to learn Marathi.
He warned that drivers could lose their permits if they miss the deadline.
Rapido said it wants to help drivers adjust to the rule.
Rapido launched Marathi-learning resources for Bike, Auto and Cab Captains in Maharashtra.
The lessons are available through three YouTube channels, in-app notifications, WhatsApp channels and Rapido Dost pages.
The initiative aims to help drivers meet Maharashtra’s requirement for practical Marathi knowledge.
Congress MLA Amin Patel asked Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik to extend the compliance deadline.
Patel warned that drivers could face permit suspensions if they cannot meet the requirement on time.
- Who
- Rapido, Congress MLA Amin Patel, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and non-Marathi-speaking taxi and autorickshaw drivers.
- What
- Rapido launched Marathi-learning channels and resources, while Amin Patel sought more time for drivers to meet the language requirement.
- When
- The article does not specify an exact date; the initiative comes amid the current Transport Department requirement.
- Where
- Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai.
- Why
- The resources are intended to help drivers communicate with passengers and comply with the mandatory practical Marathi requirement.
Extend the deadline
Apply the language requirement
Time to learn Marathi
Extend the deadline
Amin Patel said learning Marathi in the prescribed short period would be difficult and urged the government to give non-Marathi-speaking drivers more time.
Apply the language requirement
The Transport Department has set a requirement that taxi and autorickshaw drivers possess practical Marathi knowledge for communication with passengers and implementation of the rules.
Consequences for drivers
Extend the deadline
Patel warned that actions such as permit suspensions could affect drivers’ livelihoods if they cannot meet the deadline.
Apply the language requirement
The article says the requirement is intended to facilitate communication with passengers and does not report any change to the stated enforcement framework.
Role of support resources
Extend the deadline
Rapido’s initiative provides accessible lessons to help drivers adapt rather than simply notifying them about the requirement.
Apply the language requirement
Drivers remain responsible for meeting the government-prescribed language requirement, regardless of the learning assistance available.
- Platform
- Rapido
- State
- Maharashtra
- Target users
- Bike, Auto and Cab Captains
- Learning channels
- Rapido Cab Dost Mumbai, Bike Dost Mumbai and Rapido Mumbai
- Other access points
- In-app notifications, WhatsApp channels and Rapido Dost pages
- Policy requirement
- Taxi and autorickshaw drivers must possess practical knowledge of Marathi
- Deadline appeal
- Amin Patel asked the government to extend the deadline for non-Marathi-speaking drivers