AdminNavi Mumbai: In a decisive move to enforce ride‑sharing compliance, a motor vehicle inspector at the Vashi Deputy Regional Transport Office (Dy RTO) filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the parent company of the popular bike‑taxi app Rapido. The filing, lodged at APMC police station, accuses Roppen Transportation Pvt Ltd of operating petrol‑engine two‑wheelers for passenger transport without the required licence, contravening state regulations that allow only electric bike taxis to run as commercial ride‑sharing services.
Background & Context
Ride‑sharing compliance has become a national priority as India accelerates its shift toward electric mobility. In 2020, the Motor Vehicles Act was amended to mandate that app‑based ride operators obtain a specific licence from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) if they use non‑electric two‑wheelers. The Maharashtra Transport Department, in line with central guidelines, has barred petrol‑engine bike taxis from providing passenger services. Rapido’s operations in Navi Mumbai, one of the city’s busiest hubs, have repeatedly violated these provisions, prompting heightened scrutiny from law‑enforcement agencies. This FIR marks the first criminal complaint brought against a major ride‑sharing firm over compliance lapses in the state.
Key Developments
- FIR Registration – The FIR was filed on 3 December 2025 by Pradnya Abhang, a local commuter who documented repeated illegal rides. It alleges that Rapido’s app is being used to dispatch petrol‑engine bikes that are strictly prohibited for commercial use.
- Licence Rejection & Legal Actions – In December 2022, Rapido’s request to operate petrol‑engine bike taxis in Pune was denied. The company subsequently filed a writ petition in the Bombay High Court, which, on 13 January 2023, ordered it to cease using the Rapido app for such operations. A Special Leave Petition (SPL) in the Supreme Court was dismissed in March 2024.
- Police Seizure Operation – On 2 December, a coordinated sting operation saw an RTO officer, Vinod Patil, book a ride from the RTO ground in Vashi‑Sector 19 to Vashi railway station. The app displayed a 3.7‑km trip costing ₹45, and a petrol‑engine bike turned up with rider Anas Faikh, whose motorbike was subsequently seized by authorities.
- Repeat Violations – Two more rides were booked that same day, both involving petrol‑engine bikes. In each instance, the vehicles were confiscated by police, evidencing a pattern of non‑compliance.
- Charges Filed – Roppen Transportation Pvt Ltd has been booked under the Motor Vehicle Act and the Information Technology Act for cheating and violation of ride‑sharing compliance statutes.
Impact Analysis
For ride‑sharing operators, this crackdown underscores the severe penalties for overlooking compliance. The case signals that authorities will no longer tolerate technical workarounds and will actively monitor app logs and booking patterns. International students studying in Mumbai who rely on affordable rides may face fewer options if ride‑sharing platforms sever illicit services. Additionally, the enforcement shift could lead to a reduced number of petrol‑engine two‑wheelers on the road, potentially easing traffic congestion and lowering emissions in the city.
Expert Insights & Tips
A spokesperson from the Maharashtra Transport Department said, “We are committed to safeguarding public safety and ensuring that ride‑sharing compliance is strictly enforced.” Legal counsel, Ravi Bhatt, notes that operators should “update their compliance checklist immediately, obtain the necessary electric vehicle licence, and conduct regular audits of rider background checks.” For international students, it is prudent to use only officially licensed rides and to cross‑verify the rider’s registration details on the app. Students are also advised to carry appointment proofs or receipts for rides, as these can be used as evidence in case of disputes. If an app advertises petrol‑engine bike rides in a state where they are prohibited, the user should report the violation through the app’s help desk or directly to the local RTO.
Looking Ahead
Government authorities are preparing a new ordinance that will classify all two‑wheelers used for commercial passenger transport as “registered electric‑vehicle only” by 2026. Ride‑sharing platforms are expected to overhaul operational protocols, introduce mandatory RFID‑enabled licence verification, and potentially factor in driver vetting using biometric data. In the meantime, operators should engage with municipal transport bodies to secure the appropriate permits and conduct regular safety audits. For students and commuters, this means a more reliable and legally compliant ride‑sharing ecosystem, albeit with a possible shift in available vehicle types.
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