Maharashtra Mandates Marathi for Cab Aggregator Drivers

Maharashtra's Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik, has declared that the state's requirement for commercial passenger vehicle drivers to know Marathi will now extend to drivers working for app-based cab aggregators. This rule applies to companies such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido.

What Happened

Minister Sarnaik stated on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, that cab drivers need practical, working knowledge of Marathi to communicate with passengers. The deadline for drivers to complete mandatory Marathi-speaking training is approaching on August 15. Following this date, the transport department plans verification drives and will implement stricter enforcement for those not complying with the Marathi language rule.

The Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, along with the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, stipulate mandatory Marathi proficiency for taxi, autorickshaw, and app-based cab drivers. While the government initially announced that drivers needed to demonstrate Marathi knowledge from May 1, this led to protests from unions. Consequently, a three-month functional Marathi training program was introduced, with the deadline extended to August 15.

Specific rules, including Rule 4(4), Rule 78, and Rule 85 of the Act, make working knowledge of Marathi a requirement for permit renewals. This rule will also apply to app-based motor cab drivers operating vehicles equipped with electronic meters.

Key Facts

• Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the mandatory Marathi language requirement for app-based cab drivers on August 12, 2026.
• Cab aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido are included in this mandate.
• Drivers must possess practical working knowledge of Marathi to communicate with passengers.
• The deadline for completing the required Marathi-speaking training is August 15, 2026.
• The Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, facilitate this mandatory Marathi proficiency.
• Drivers must demonstrate Marathi knowledge; a functional Marathi training program was launched with an extended deadline of August 15.
• Failure to comply can result in actions under Provision 22(3A), including license suspension for up to three months or cancellation.
• Over 1.10 lakh non-Marathi passenger vehicle drivers completed the four-hour program.
• Certificates will be presented by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on August 17.