Marathi language requirement is mandatory for Cab aggregators’ drivers: State Transport Minister

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) announced that the government’s Marathi language requirement for commercial passenger vehicle drivers will be mandatory for app-based cab drivers also. The cab aggregators, including Ola, Uber and Rapido, will have no exception from the State’s language rules.

“The cab drivers have to have practical working knowledge of Marathi and should communicate with passengers,” said Mr. Sarnaik. 

The move comes as the deadline to complete the required Marathi-speaking training is nearing. After August 15, the transport department will conduct verification drives and take stricter action against those who fail to comply with the rule of mandatory Marathi.

Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, facilitate mandatory Marathi proficiency for taxi, autorickshaw and app-based cab drivers in the State, which was implemented this year under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The government announced that drivers have to demonstrate Marathi knowledge from May 1 onwards, but it received outrage from unions. Due to this, the three-month functional Marathi training programme was launched, with an extended deadline to August 15. 

Rule 4(4), Rule 78, and Rule 85 of the Act made working knowledge of Marathi compulsory for permit renewals. The same will be applied to app-based motor cab drivers operating vehicles having electronic meters. 

If any driver fails to comply with the rules, then under Provision 22(3A) they will face action for non-compliance, including suspension of licences for up to three months or cancellation.

Over 1.10 lakh non-Marathi passenger vehicle drivers completed the four-hour-long programme and will receive certificates from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and DCM Eknath Shinde on August 17.