Maharashtra Marathi rule: The Maharashtra government has started enforcing the rule that auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers must have practical knowledge of Marathi. The rule also covers drivers working with app-based taxi services. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has said that drivers working with platforms like Ola, Uber and Rapido will not get any special exemption from the requirement.
The new requirement is linked to amendments made to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules. Drivers are expected to know enough Marathi for normal communication with passengers. This includes being able to understand destinations, fares, routes and other basic travel-related conversations.
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The enforcement has now begun across the state. RTO teams are checking the Marathi knowledge of drivers. A 16-question practical test is also being used in the process. Drivers who do not meet the required standard can receive time to improve their language skills. Continued failure can lead to action against their driving badge or authorisation.
Viral Cab Video Draws Attention
महाराष्ट्र में कैब ड्राइवर यात्री में हुआ मराठी भाषा का विवाद। यात्री ओटीपी मराठी भाषा में बता रहा था,तो ड्राइवर बोला भाई इंग्लिश में बता न ओटीपी।😎
लेकिन वो बार-बार मराठी में बोल रहा था, तो ड्राइवर बोला ये ऐप बता किस भाषा में चलता है। मराठी भाषा में या इंग्लिश में उसके बाद बात… pic.twitter.com/WIX1aecRqN
— सीतामढ़ी जिला 🇮🇳 (@SitamarhiJila) August 19, 2026
At the same time, a video showing an argument between a passenger and a cab driver over Marathi has gone viral on social media.
In the video, the passenger gives his ride OTP in Marathi. The driver then asks him to say it in English. The passenger repeats the four-digit OTP in Marathi and the conversation quickly becomes an argument about which language should be used.
The driver keeps his phone on the dashboard and asks the passenger to enter the OTP himself. He then asks, “App English mei hai ki Marathi mei?” The passenger replies that they are driving in Maharashtra and says the state itself issued the driver’s licence.
The passenger is seen sitting in the front seat and saying “bolo” at the start of the recording. Later in the clip, the driver appears to spit something outside the vehicle before making a phone call. The video ends soon after that.
The exact date and location of the incident are not known. The name of the app-based taxi service involved has also not been confirmed. The authenticity of the viral video has not been independently verified.
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Action Against Drivers Who Fail Marathi Checks
The government has warned that drivers who do not follow the language requirement may face action. Recent RTO checks have already started across Maharashtra. Drivers who fail the practical assessment can be given a one-month period to learn Marathi. Continued failure can result in suspension of the commercial badge and other licensing action. Repeated non-compliance can lead to stronger penalties including cancellation of the authorisation.
The Marathi verification process for new auto and taxi driver badges will also be videographed from August 20 to make the checking process more transparent.
Rapido has also started Marathi learning material for its bike, auto and cab drivers in Maharashtra through YouTube, WhatsApp and in-app resources.
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