Fadnavis orders digital platform to monitor app-based taxi aggregators in Maharashtra

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued directions to make app-based taxis and other ride services in Maharashtra safer, more transparent and better organised. He said a modern digital platform should be created that provides up-to-date information on aggregator companies' vehicles, drivers and working hours.

Under the directions, analysis based on artificial intelligence (AI) should also be added to the platform. This would allow effective control over vehicle operations, recruitment of drivers, parking arrangements and the services provided to passengers.

The matter came up at a meeting on the Maharashtra Aggregator Rules, 2026, held at Varsha, the chief minister's residence. Fadnavis reviewed issues such as the growing number of vehicles in the aggregator sector, the problems of independent taxi drivers, passenger safety and transparency in the allocation of rides on digital platforms. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Sanjay Sethi, Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar and other department officials were present.

The chief minister directed that the registration of every aggregator vehicle, the parking space used for it, the driver's details, driving licence, police verification and other necessary documents should be available in digital form. The system should also hold an up-to-date record of which driver drives which vehicle in different shifts through the day. Fadnavis asked for an arrangement that would allow the details of the vehicle and driver concerned to be obtained immediately if an incident occurs.

With the help of AI, the platform will be able to analyse vehicle operations, driver shifts and other important matters. This will show whether the rules are being followed and, where needed, allow the agencies concerned to act immediately.

On transparency in ride allocation, Fadnavis said it is necessary to check whether independent taxi drivers and the vehicles of large fleet companies are getting equal chances of rides on app-based services. He said it should be possible to examine which vehicle is given a ride on a digital platform, for what reason and on what criteria. He also directed that technology be used to identify any discrimination in the allocation of rides.

The chief minister said that along with safe and dependable service for passengers, local drivers should get equal opportunities for employment. He said this would require priority for effective enforcement of the rules, transparency in ride allocation and technical monitoring of the companies' functioning.

Given the spread of the aggregator sector in the state and passengers' growing needs, a modern, capable and swift regulatory system needs to be developed. Fadnavis directed the transport department to take further action towards building an effective control system through the digital platform, balancing the interests of independent taxi drivers, passenger safety and discipline in traffic.