Maharashtra Transport Minister Defends Bike Taxi Policy Amid Protests

In a direct response to an August 23 letter from Sanjay Raut, Sarnaik defended the state's decision to allow bike taxi services, insisting the government can accommodate modern transport trends without abandoning traditional operators. He maintained that the policy aims to generate employment for thousands of Marathi youth while ensuring that existing taxi and rickshaw drivers retain their viability within the sector. Sarnaik dismissed claims that the administration prioritizes private entities like Rapido over public interest, asserting that no company operates above state regulations.

Addressing Raut’s allegations of financial impropriety between officials and booking platforms, the minister demanded concrete documentation rather than political rhetoric. He emphasized that departmental decisions stem from legal frameworks and passenger needs rather than personal associations. Seeking to de-escalate tensions surrounding a planned protest by the Rickshaw Sangharsh Samiti, Sarnaik invited the opposition leader to a collaborative meeting to address the drivers' grievances. He pledged that the Transport Department would continue to secure the social and professional standing of traditional drivers, insisting that the government’s commitment to their welfare remains steadfast despite the shift toward digital mobility.