Uber Faces License Revocation in Maharashtra
“We directed them to submit necessary documents; however they did not submit any of them, prompting us to take a decision to revoke their temporary licenses across Maharashtra,” stated Pratap Sarnaik, a representative of the Maharashtra government, on March 9, 2026. This announcement marked a significant setback for Uber and its competitors, Ola and Rapido, as the Maharashtra government revoked their provisional bike taxi licenses due to various regulatory violations.
The licenses, which were initially granted in September 2025 under the Maharashtra E-Bike Taxi Rules, 2024, required the operators to comply with stringent regulations. These included the necessity for 100% electric vehicle operations, adherence to driver codes, vehicle requirements, fare transparency, safety measures, and operator accountability. However, the companies failed to meet these requirements, leading to the revocation.
The decision to revoke the licenses was influenced by complaints received by the state regarding harassment of women passengers using bike taxi services. The Maharashtra government had previously introduced the E-Bike Taxi Rules to create employment opportunities for local youth and to regulate the burgeoning bike taxi market. Yet, this is not the first time bike taxi services have faced a ban in the state; they were previously prohibited in January 2023.
In addition to the revocation of licenses, the Maharashtra government has also suspended the issuance of new auto rickshaw permits across the state. This move reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to manage urban traffic and the increasing number of autorickshaws on the roads. Sarnaik noted, “The decision was taken in view of the growing number of autorickshaws and the pressure on urban traffic.”
Since the introduction of the E-Bike Taxi Rules, the transport department has taken action against 130 bike taxis, collecting fines exceeding Rs 33 lakh. The provisional licenses granted to Uber, Ola, and Rapido had given these platforms 30 days to obtain final approval and meet the regulatory conditions, a deadline that has now passed without compliance.
Despite the revocation, Sarnaik indicated that there is still a possibility for the companies to regain their licenses. “It is only temporary. If they follow our norms and the terms and conditions of the permits, we will give the permits again,” he stated. This leaves the door open for Uber and its competitors to rectify their standing with the state government.
Looking ahead, the Maharashtra government will consider lifting the ban if the companies can submit the required documents and assure strict compliance with the established rules. As the situation develops, the future of bike taxi services in Maharashtra remains uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the companies’ next steps in addressing the regulatory issues that led to this significant decision.
