Mira Road Auto Drivers Protest Marathi Mandate; RTO Fines 25

The dispute over Marathi language proficiency among non-Marathi-speaking autorickshaw drivers intensified after several drivers staged a protest in the Mira Road area demanding additional time to learn the language.

The demonstration caused traffic disruptions across the locality after protesting drivers parked their vehicles directly on the road. Following the incident, the Mira-Bhayandar Regional Transport Department initiated action against around 25 autorickshaw drivers, imposing fines totalling approximately ₹7,000.

The Maharashtra Transport Department has stipulated that autorickshaw drivers must possess knowledge of Marathi and be able to communicate with commuters in the local language. After authorities issued a deadline to demonstrate language proficiency, drivers launched their protest, demanding an extension of six to seven months to learn Marathi.

During the protest, some drivers were also accused of behaving rudely with commuters. In response, authorities cautioned operators against mistreating commuters.

Regional Transport Office official Prasad Nalawade warned that strict action would follow against any drivers who misbehave with passengers or force them to get off the rickshaw. Nalawade stated that the transport department will also begin the process of cancelling the permits of drivers who violate the rules.

Transport authorities reiterated that adherence to regulations remains mandatory, and drivers must comply with the language requirements to continue operations.