Maharashtra Issues 2,500 Notices to Drivers Over Marathi Language Rule

The Maharashtra Transport Department has issued notices to approximately 2,500 auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers across Mumbai and other parts of the state after they failed to demonstrate functional knowledge of the Marathi language during an enforcement drive that began on August 20, 2026.

Functional knowledge of Marathi is now a mandatory requirement for operating passenger vehicles in Maharashtra. Since the start of the drive, transport authorities have tested around 13,000 commercial drivers through conversational assessments.

Drivers who fail the language assessment are being issued a one-month notice to learn Marathi. Authorities have warned that strict penalties will follow if the requirement is not met within the stipulated timeframe.

“If they fail to comply with the one-month notice, their license will be suspended for three months,” Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated.

The statewide enforcement operation is scheduled to continue through September 30, 2026.