Aimed at creating jobs for local youth, particularly those from the Marathi-speaking belt, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said that the Maharashtra government will soon introduce an app-based auto rickshaw, taxi, and e-bike service.
Sarnaik, who is also the chairman of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), said the app-based aggregator platform for the state is almost complete, and the government is deliberating on names such as Jai Maharashtra, Maha-Ride, Maha-Yatri, or Maha-Go for the app.
The service that would be operated under the state transport department would offer competition for the private players in the sector, which is currently dominated by private cab aggregator platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido, according to Sarnik.
The proposal has received an in-principle nod from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. The clearance from the Cabinet is expected soon, Sarnaik said.
“This will not only offer comfortable travel for commuters but also generate employment for thousands of youngsters in Maharashtra,” Sarnaik said, adding that all terms in the Centre’s aggregator policy guidelines are being adhered to.
“The government has the technical knowledge, infrastructure, and manpower. This model, if well implemented, will serve the interests of both service providers and users,” he added.
The app is being developed in collaboration with institutions such as the Maharashtra Institute for Transport Technology and Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), with private players in consultation.
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