If you’ve ever been stranded on a Mumbai street because an auto or taxi driver refused to take you on a short ride, you’re not alone. But now, there’s some good news for daily commuters. Mumbai’s traffic police have begun a driving licence suspension for nearly 29,000 rickshaw and taxi drivers. The move comes in response to long-standing complaints about drivers refusing short-distance trips. The crackdown comes as part of a special enforcement drive that ran from April 18 to May 2.
Thousands Of Violations Across Mumbai
The traffic wing of Mumbai Police launched a dedicated campaign to clean up public transport behaviour. According to the Times of India, the traffic police launched a major crackdown on Monday, issuing challans to more than 48,000 auto and taxi drivers. Over the span of two weeks, these penalties were handed out for various traffic violations, including refusal to ply.
While drivers refusing short fares was a major issue, officials also found widespread violations. They caught many drivers without proper uniforms, valid permits, or registration documents. Some were even operating without identity badges or carrying more passengers than allowed. For everyday commuters, these infractions are more than just rules on paper—they affect safety, convenience, and accessibility.
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Licence Suspensions And Hefty Fines
Of the drivers penalised, 28,814 now face licence suspension specifically for refusing short-distance rides. This practice has long been a source of frustration for many Mumbai residents. According to a Times of India report, 4,553 auto drivers were recently charged with a variety of offences in the Western suburbs.
Officials penalised 89 drivers for refusing fares, 8 for charging inflated rates, and 164 for carrying passengers beyond the permitted limit. They also caught 2 drivers using tampered metres and took action against 11 for displaying rude behaviour. In addition, 4,285 drivers were fined for offences like not wearing proper uniforms, lacking badges, or violating Motor Vehicle Rules.
Authorities have begun the suspension process to make public transport fairer and more accountable. Overall, the drive collected ₹40.25 lakh in fines from offenders. Certainly, the goal of this campaign isn’t revenue, it’s about setting higher standards for public service and making travel smoother for all.
The crackdown has sparked a wave of appreciation from commuters, who hope this signals a lasting shift in how the city’s public transport system operates.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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