In a bold move to shake up India’s ride-hailing landscape, the Maharashtra government is all set to launch its own app-based transportation platform for taxis, auto-rickshaws, and bike taxis—directly challenging the dominance of private aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik confirmed the initiative, stating the app is part of a broader mission to boost employment, curb exploitation, and bring affordable, transparent commuting options to the public.
“This initiative will make lakhs of youth in Maharashtra self-reliant,” Sarnaik said. “We want to offer a government-backed, low-cost, and fair alternative to the private monopoly.”
What the New App Will Offer:
Services for cabs, autos, and bike taxis
Transparent pricing with no surge rates
Driver-friendly revenue models with minimal commissions
Government-regulated safety and service standards
Potential names include Jai Maharashtra, Maha-Ride, Maha-Go, or Maha-Yatri, with a formal decision expected after a review meeting on August 5 at Mantralaya.
Boost for Youth Employment
The app will be integrated with a loan subsidy scheme for unemployed youth looking to purchase vehicles. Mumbai Bank will provide loans at a 10% interest rate, with an 11% government subsidy, effectively making it interest-free.
Development support is being provided by the Maharashtra Institute for Transport Technology (MITT) and private tech firms. The platform will fully comply with the Centre’s Aggregator Guidelines for safety, data privacy, and driver rights.
Cracking Down on Rule-Breakers
The state government is also tightening the screws on illegal ride-hailing practices. Sarnaik recently directed the transport department to take strict legal action against unlicensed services. Rules for legal bike taxi operations are in their final stage of approval.
Why It Matters
This initiative represents India’s first major government-led foray into the ride-hailing sector, potentially setting a national precedent. With job creation, affordability, and fairness at its core, Maharashtra’s app could revolutionize urban mobility while empowering drivers who’ve long been at the mercy of tech giants.
