Bike-taxi riders likely to be barred from using multiple platforms, says Maharashtra Minister Sarnaik

According to Sarnaik, the government has observed several riders are registered with multiple platforms simultaneously and switch between companies during the course of a day, raising concerns over monitoring and accountability.

“Passenger safety, driver verification and transparency in the transport system are non-negotiable. Companies must operate only after complying with government rules and conditions. Any violation will invite strict action,” Sarnaik said.

As part of the proposed framework, the government is examining whether riders should be permitted to operate for only one aggregator platform in a day to ensure clearer accountability of drivers and vehicles attached to individual companies.

Reacting to the proposal, Mohammad Ridwan Sheikh, president of Maharashtra Rajya Raste Kamgar Sangh’s Abbas Transport Unit, said many riders depend on multiple platforms and gig-economy services to sustain their livelihoods.

“There are roughly 15,000 bike taxi riders operating in Mumbai, but there is no reliable data on how many of them are registered on multiple platforms because riders are not affiliated with any single organisation or company. Many riders work across different platforms and also undertake food, grocery and parcel deliveries depending on demand. Any restriction limiting them to one platform could affect their earning opportunities and livelihood,” Sheikh said.

At the same time, he backed regulation of the sector. “We have no objection to bike taxis. If they want to operate, they should come under the law. There should be proper documentation, verification, insurance and safety requirements, similar to those applicable to commercial passenger vehicles,” he said.