Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has officially implemented its long-awaited Aggregator Cab Policy, bringing app-based transport services under a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at enhancing passenger safety, ensuring fair earnings for drivers, and improving transparency in fare structures and grievance redressal.
Announcing the rollout, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said that lakhs of commuters across the state rely on app-based transport platforms every day. However, the absence of a uniform regulatory system had led to concerns over passenger safety, arbitrary fare practices, driver welfare, delayed complaint resolution and loss of government revenue. He said the newly implemented policy provides a transparent legal framework to address these longstanding issues.
The implementation follows the Maharashtra Cabinet’s approval of the Aggregator Cabs Policy in April last year. After seeking suggestions from stakeholders through the draft Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2025, the government has now finalised and enforced the framework.
Under the new rules, all app-based transport aggregators will be required to obtain a licence from the State Transport Authority. Licensed operators will receive a unique identification number upon payment of the prescribed fee. To strengthen oversight, the government will establish a centralised digital portal integrating GPS tracking, driver verification and enforcement systems, enabling authorities to monitor vehicles and ensure compliance with regulations.
The policy also mandates that aggregator companies maintain a 24-hour customer support call centre and appoint dedicated grievance redressal officers to ensure timely handling of passenger complaints.
Addressing concerns over dynamic pricing, the government has introduced safeguards to prevent excessive surge pricing, arbitrary fare reductions and overcharging. The policy further mandates that drivers receive at least 80 per cent of every fare collected through app-based platforms, a move aimed at protecting driver incomes.
To prevent market concentration, the policy limits the number of vehicles a single owner can register on one platform. Owners may register up to 50 vehicles each in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur, while the limit has been capped at 25 vehicles in the rest of Maharashtra.
The framework also grants legal recognition to carpooling by allowing passengers to share travel costs, while prohibiting private vehicle owners from generating profits through such services. Officials said the provision is expected to promote affordable transportation, reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and encourage the gradual adoption of electric vehicles.
Additionally, the policy reiterates the Transport Department’s directive making commercial driver badges mandatory. Drivers must meet prescribed eligibility conditions, including possessing a domicile certificate and demonstrating working knowledge of Marathi.
App-based transport unions have welcomed the policy, describing it as a significant step towards regulatory clarity. Rizwan Shaikh, president of the Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh’s App-Based Transport Unit, said the framework would bring relief to drivers and ensure that all aggregators operate within a legal structure. However, he urged the government to introduce category-wise base fares for hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs to guarantee minimum earnings for drivers across different vehicle segments.
