Deadline Extended till November 15 for Meter-Based Taxi Service in Vasai–Virar Municipal Area: Minister Pratap Sarnayak

Mumbai, Oct 2025 : Transport Minister Pratap Sarnayak announced that taxi and rickshaw drivers in the Vasai–Virar Municipal Corporation area have been granted an extension till November 15 to start operating meter-based services. The Minister directed that meter-based taxi and rickshaw services must begin from November 15 in the region.

He made these remarks during a meeting held at the Mantralaya to discuss solutions for easing traffic congestion in the Vasai–Virar Municipal area.

The meeting was attended by MLA Sneha Dubey, Dr. Madhav Kusekar, Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (ST), Manoj Suryawanshi, Commissioner of the Vasai–Virar Municipal Corporation, and Bharat Kalskar, Additional Transport Commissioner, among others.

Minister Sarnayak stated that shared taxi services have already been permitted in the Vasai–Virar region. He warned taxi and rickshaw drivers not to exploit passengers and said that strict action will be taken against those found guilty of overcharging or misbehaving with commuters.

He further directed that the State Transport Corporation should start long-distance bus services from Vasai–Virar to Thane and Kalyan routes. He emphasized that city bus transport should operate at full capacity, keeping in view the rising number of passengers.

The Minister also instructed that existing State Transport Corporation premises within the municipal limits should be utilized as parking spaces, and if additional space is required, the municipal corporation should make necessary arrangements.

Sarnayak further directed that bus depots be established in Virar, Vasai, and Nalasopara to enhance connectivity. He said the municipal corporation should develop and implement a systematic plan to ensure that citizens have easy access to public transportation services in the region.