Hopes for the launch of affordable and convenient e-bike taxi services in Pune have hit a major roadblock. Six months after the Maharashtra government introduced a dedicated policy, major ride-hailing aggregators Uber, Ola, and Rapido have gone quiet. This follows the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) rejecting their licence applications for a second time in September 2025.
Policy Misalignment Leads to Repeated Rejections
The primary reason for the setback is a clear mismatch between the companies' proposals and the state's policy framework. Pune's deputy RTO, Swapnil Bhosle, confirmed that the applications were turned down due to non-alignment with the official policy. He stated that approvals would only be granted once the proposals fully comply with the established rules.
An RTO official expressed growing uncertainty about the service's future in the city. "The policy was floated in July 2025, and while e-bike taxis are already operational in Mumbai, the Pune launch seems distant," the official said. He added that while aggregators are free to re-apply, there has been no communication from them since the second rejection. The RTO now plans to initiate talks to understand the status of their plans.
Public Frustration Mounts Over Commute Harassment
The delay is a significant blow to Pune's daily commuters, who face rampant overcharging and harassment from autorickshaw and cab drivers. Working professional Alok Dhobale highlighted the urgent need for e-bike taxis as a viable alternative for short-distance travel. He criticized the RTO for its inaction against errant drivers and urged proactive engagement with companies to start the service.
Echoing this sentiment, daily commuter Animesh Ghaval pointed to strong opposition from autorickshaw unions as a potential deterrent for companies. "This fact is keeping companies away from the city," Ghaval said. He questioned the inaction of police and RTO officials against fare violations and daily fleecing, demanding a more proactive approach to introduce the much-needed service.
Aggregators' Silence and Regulatory Actions
According to RTO sources, Uber, Rapido, and Ola had last reapplied for bike taxi licences in early September 2025. Another official speculated that the companies might be revising their plans before approaching the RTO again, but confirmed there have been no official updates.
When contacted by media for an update on their Pune plans, Uber and Rapido did not respond by the time of reporting. On the issue of cab fare misconduct, Deputy RTO Bhosle said aggregators have been alerted to charge fares strictly as per the state's cab aggregator policy. He advised cheated commuters to send evidence via WhatsApp to a dedicated number for action.
The ongoing impasse leaves Pune's commuters in a lurch, caught between unregulated traditional transport and a promised modern alternative that remains stuck in bureaucratic and corporate delays.
