Under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, commercial passenger vehicle drivers, including those working with Ola, Uber and Rapido, will now need a working knowledge of Marathi. The rule applies to rickshaw, taxi and app-based cab drivers with electronic meters. Here’s what you need to know.
Marathi Made Mandatory For Commercial Passenger Vehicle Drivers
According to The Indian Express, the Maharashtra government has made a working knowledge of Marathi a requirement for several commercial passenger transport permissions. Under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026. Rule 4(4), the new rule applies to public service vehicle authorisations, permits and permit renewals, and now also covers app-based cab drivers operating vehicles with electronic meters.
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the requirement was introduced to ensure drivers have a practical working knowledge of Marathi and can communicate effectively with passengers. The move is part of a series of amendments made to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
The rule also extends to app-based motor cab drivers operating vehicles fitted with electronic meters. Under Provision 22(3A), drivers who fail to demonstrate a working knowledge of Marathi can face action for non-compliance. This could include suspension of their licence for up to three months or cancellation, after the competent authority issues a written notice.
All You Need To Know About This
According to a report by The Indian Express, the amendments come after officials received complaints that some non-Marathi-speaking drivers were exploiting loopholes in the earlier language rules. The State Transport Minister said the changes aim to remove these ambiguities and ensure that drivers who ferry passengers have a practical understanding of Marathi.
To help drivers meet the new requirement, the Transport Department, along with literary organisations such as the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, is running a 105-day Marathi training programme at Regional Transport Offices and language training centres. The programme is aimed at helping auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers gain working proficiency in Marathi by August 15.
So far, more than 1.10 lakh non-Marathi passenger vehicle drivers have completed the four-hour training course. They are expected to receive their certificates from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at an event in Thane on August 17.
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FAQs
Is Marathi mandatory for Ola, Uber and Rapido drivers in Maharashtra?
Yes, app-based motor cab drivers operating vehicles with electronic meters are also required to have a working knowledge of Marathi.
Why has Maharashtra introduced this requirement?
According to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, the requirement is aimed at ensuring drivers can communicate effectively with passengers in Marathi and addressing ambiguities in the earlier rules.
What happens if an auto or cab driver does not know Marathi?
Drivers who fail to demonstrate a working knowledge of Marathi can face action for non-compliance, including suspension of their licence for up to three months or cancellation after a written notice from the competent authority.