Maharashtra Mandates Marathi Language Proficiency for Commercial Drivers

The Government of Maharashtra has mandated that all commercial passenger vehicle drivers possess practical knowledge of the Marathi language starting August 16, 2026. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced that drivers who fail a functional Marathi test will face license cancellation by the Regional Transport Office, replacing a previous ₹500 fine. The assessment will evaluate the ability to read signboards, write simple sentences, and hold basic conversations to improve public safety and emergency assistance.

To facilitate this transition, the state has deployed approximately 450 teachers through a partnership between the State Marathi Language Department, the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, and the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh. The curriculum focuses on functional transit vocabulary and customer interaction rather than complex grammar.

Additionally, Sarnaik announced that official bike taxi services will launch on August 1, requiring operators to provide domicile certificates to prove state residency. These operators will be subject to a 2% fare levy and a daily welfare cess of ₹5 per vehicle. The minister also criticized aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido for utilizing petrol-powered motorcycles instead of electric vehicles within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.