Archive · 30 Jul 2026
7,000+ Auto‑Rickshaw Drivers Finish Marathi Training Ahead of Deadline
In the Vasai‑Virar area of Maharashtra, many people drive small three‑wheel vehicles called auto‑rickshaws.
The state government said that all drivers must learn Marathi, the local language, so they can talk to passengers.
Drivers had to finish a short, free course in just a few days.
More than 7,000 drivers have already finished the training before the August 15 deadline.
Extra classrooms were opened, even at a college, to help everyone learn in time.
More than 7,000 auto‑rickshaw drivers in Vasai‑Virar completed Marathi training.
Training was launched on June 1 by the Transport Department, Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh.
The state set August 15 as the final deadline for drivers to learn Marathi.
Courses were shortened to 2–3 days (4 hours) and offered free of charge.
Additional centers, including St. Gonsalo Garcia College, were opened to meet the surge in demand.
- Who
- Auto‑rickshaw drivers in Vasai‑Virar and state officials
- What
- Completion of mandatory Marathi language training
- When
- Over the last two months, with a deadline of August 15
- Where
- Vasai‑Virar region, Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To meet the state mandate for drivers to communicate with passengers in Marathi and avoid permit cancellation
- Number of drivers trained
- 7,000+
- Training duration
- 2–3 days (4 hours)
- Deadline
- August 15
- Training cost
- Free
- Training centers
- 9 original + additional (e.g., St. Gonsalo Garcia College)