Maharashtra asks Apple, Google to remove Uber Ola and Rapido over illegal bike taxi operations

In a major escalation of its crackdown on app-based bike taxi services, the Maharashtra government has asked Apple and Google to remove ride-hailing apps Uber, Ola and Rapido from their app stores, alleging the platforms are running illegal bike taxi operations in the state.

The Maharashtra State Cyber Department issued notices to the two tech giants on May 15, directing them to “remove and disable access” to the applications from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store under Section 79(3) (b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

The move follows a May 12 letter from Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who sought intervention against bike taxi aggregators operating in the state despite repeated warnings.

In its notices, Maharashtra Cyber said bike taxi services offered through the apps were “unlawful” and violated the existing legal and regulatory framework. It alleged the companies were providing passenger transport services without valid permissions, government approvals, or compliance with rules laid down by the Transport Department and the Motor Vehicles Act.

The state also flagged serious passenger safety concerns, saying driver verification systems, insurance safeguards, women’s safety mechanisms and emergency response protocols on these platforms were “highly inadequate”.

The notices referred to a recent case involving the death of a woman allegedly linked to a bike taxi ride, saying a criminal case had been registered and adding that multiple similar complaints had surfaced across Maharashtra.

Officials warned Apple and Google that failure to comply with directions issued by Indian law enforcement agencies could attract legal action under the IT Act and intermediary liability rules.

Confirming the move, Sarnaik said that action had been initiated through Maharashtra Cyber.

“Bike taxis are operating illegally in Maharashtra and action is being taken accordingly,” he said.

The latest action marks a significant intensification of the ongoing battle between the Maharashtra government and app-based bike taxi companies. For weeks, the state transport department has maintained that bike taxi services are not legally permitted under the current regulatory framework.

The crackdown also comes amid wider scrutiny of app-based mobility services. Earlier this week, Maharashtra announced action against private bus aggregators and unauthorised transport apps over alleged illegal fare practices.

Notably, the current notices target only bike taxi operations. Cab, auto-rickshaw and food delivery services run by the same platforms remain unaffected.

Sarnaik said the state’s action was aimed not only at ensuring passenger safety but also at enforcing Maharashtra’s electric vehicle transport policy.

According to the minister, the government permits only electric two-wheelers for bike taxi operations, but claimed that a majority of vehicles currently being used are petrol-powered.

He said the state had given aggregators temporary one-month approvals to regularize operations and complete documentation, but alleged they had failed to comply.

“They have not submitted a single document yet and continue to operate thousands of illegal bike taxis on roads, many of them petrol-powered despite the policy allowing only EV bike taxis,” Sarnaik said.

He also accused Rapido of encouraging riders to continue operations despite enforcement action, alleging the company offered to reimburse challans ranging from ₹200 to ₹500 imposed during transport inspections.

“If we shut down the app, then the illegal taxis will be shut down,” the minister said, underlining the government’s strategy to target the platforms directly.