Commuters in Mumbai and other cities across Maharashtra may face inconvenience today, as thousands of auto rickshaw drivers are off the roads in protest. Multiple unions are staging demonstrations at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to oppose the Maharashtra government’s recent approval of electric bike taxis.
The Mumbai Auto Rickshaw Taximen’s Union is leading the protest in the city with a rally at Andheri RTO at 11 AM, while similar protests are happening across Konkan, Vidarbha, Marathwada, and Western Maharashtra.
Union leaders argue that the introduction of e-bike taxis poses a direct threat to the livelihood of around 15 lakh auto rickshaw drivers in the state. “This decision was made without speaking to existing driver associations,” said Shashank Sharad Rao, a senior union leader. “The rise of e-bikes will only increase unsafe, unregulated rides and further reduce our income.”
The state government claims the move aims to boost eco-friendly transport and support youth self-employment. However, unions say it is an unfair policy that ignores the struggles of traditional drivers already coping with rising costs and low fares.
Maharashtra has over 12 lakh registered autos, with nearly 4 lakh in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region alone. Union members are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the e-bike taxi policy and are urging the government to engage in discussions with all affected stakeholders before implementing such major changes.
