Marathi Language Rule Made Mandatory for Ola, Uber, and Rapido Drivers in Maharashtra
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, announced that the state government’s Marathi language requirement for commercial passenger vehicle drivers will be strictly mandatory for app-based cab drivers as well. Under the policy decision, drivers operating for major cab aggregators including Ola, Uber, and Rapido will receive no exemption from the state’s language rules. Sarnaik emphasized that cab drivers must possess practical working knowledge of Marathi and communicate effectively with passengers.
The policy enforcement comes as the deadline to complete the mandatory Marathi-speaking training programme draws near. The transport department confirmed that immediately after August 15, officials will conduct verification drives across Maharashtra and initiate stricter legal action against drivers who fail to comply with the mandatory Marathi rule.
The legal framework facilitating mandatory Marathi proficiency for drivers of taxis, autorickshaws, and app-based cabs is rooted in the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The requirement was formally implemented this year following amendments under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026. Initially, the state government had announced that commercial passenger drivers would need to demonstrate their Marathi knowledge starting May 1. However, after the announcement met with strong outrage from driver unions, authorities introduced a dedicated three-month functional Marathi training programme and extended the final deadline to August 15.
Specific provisions within the legislation, including Rule 4(4), Rule 78, and Rule 85 of the Act, make working knowledge of the Marathi language compulsory for obtaining permit renewals. Transport authorities confirmed that these same statutory rules will now apply to all app-based motor cab drivers operating vehicles equipped with electronic meters.
Drivers who fail to comply with the language rules face severe penalties under Provision 22(3A) of the regulations. The provision empowers authorities to take non-compliance action that includes suspending a driver's licence for up to three months or cancelling the licence entirely.
Despite initial opposition, over 1.10 lakh non-Marathi passenger vehicle drivers have already completed the four-hour-long training programme designed to build basic language skills. Those who completed the training will officially receive their certificates from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at an event scheduled for August 17.
