Mumbai: Mumbai commuters are facing a shortage of autorickshaws and taxis as a section of drivers protest Maharashtra’s mandatory Marathi language requirement for commercial passenger vehicle operators. The dispute has intensified after drivers alleged that Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials were asking questions outside the syllabus provided during their language training.
The shortage became particularly visible during Monday’s rush hour, when many commuters in Mumbai’s western suburbs struggled to find autos and taxis. Several passengers reportedly waited for extended periods to reach railway stations, offices and other destinations. A section of kaali-peeli taxi drivers and app-based cab operators also stayed off the roads.
The Maharashtra government has made a working knowledge of Marathi mandatory for taxi, autorickshaw and app-based cab drivers. The RTO began roadside checks from August 20, testing drivers through everyday conversations involving destinations, fares, routes, travel time and payments. The test reportedly consists of 16 practical questions rather than a formal written language examination.
Drivers who fail to demonstrate adequate Marathi proficiency are being issued notices and given time to improve. Authorities have warned that continued failure could eventually lead to suspension of their commercial driving badges. On the first day of the statewide enforcement drive, 1,268 drivers were issued notices, including 604 in the Mumbai region.
However, many drivers have objected to the way the checks are being conducted. They claim that some questions asked during roadside tests were not covered in the training sessions they attended. Drivers say they are willing to learn Marathi but want the assessment to remain limited to the practical language skills communicated to them in advance.
The issue has also led to protests. A section of autorickshaw drivers began a three-day strike on Monday, while demonstrations and a road blockade were reported in Kandivali. Police detained several protesters during the agitation.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said drivers are not expected to become experts in Marathi, but should possess enough working knowledge to communicate with passengers. Meanwhile, the government’s enforcement drive is scheduled to continue, keeping Mumbai’s public transport situation under pressure.
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