Mumbai, Aug 2026 : Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday said non-Marathi-speaking auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers operating in the state must acquire functional Marathi language skills to communicate effectively with passengers.
Sarnaik said the Transport Department’s 105-day Marathi language initiative has already provided training to around 1,65,800 auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers across Maharashtra. He added that the programme would continue to ensure that drivers who have not yet undergone training are given an opportunity to learn basic Marathi.
The Minister made the announcement at a press conference at Mantralaya attended by labour leader Shashank Rao and representatives of the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh.
The initiative comes amid concerns raised by sections of auto-rickshaw drivers. On Monday, drivers in Kandivli staged a protest alleging harassment by local drivers and expressing concern over rumours of heavy fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 for failing to comply with the Marathi language requirement.
The Transport Department launched its statewide drive on August 20, requiring commercial passenger vehicle drivers to demonstrate a working knowledge of Marathi.
Sarnaik said the programme had received a largely positive response, with many drivers expressing willingness to respect Maharashtra’s language, identity and culture. He said training workshops would continue through the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh.
The department has already provided RTO authorities with lists of training centres covering Mumbai, Thane, Bhiwandi, Nalasopara, Vasai-Virar and Navi Mumbai. Dedicated contact numbers are also expected to be issued by the respective RTOs to help drivers access the training facilities.
The Minister clarified that the initiative was primarily being implemented as a social commitment, while the Transport Department would continue to take lawful action against individuals operating without fulfilling mandatory legal requirements.
Sarnaik also said the state would continue the “Hindutvahridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Language Campaign” through the Marathi Language Department. Labour leader Shashank Rao has agreed to assist in conducting workshops for drivers who wish to learn Marathi.
Clarifying the compliance timeline, Sarnaik said drivers would initially be given one month to acquire basic Marathi language skills. If necessary, they would receive an additional three months to complete the requirement.
He further clarified that although suspension of a driver’s badge remains a legal provision for non-compliance, no badges would be cancelled during the grace period.
Badge cancellation would be considered only in cases where drivers deliberately refuse to learn Marathi even after being given the additional time.
The government said the initiative is aimed at improving communication between commercial vehicle drivers and passengers while encouraging greater integration with Maharashtra’s linguistic and cultural environment.
