In a bold move to counter the dominance of private ride-hailing platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido, the Maharashtra government has announced plans to launch its own app-based transport service offering autorickshaw, taxi, and e-bike bookings. The app likely to be named Jai Maharashtra, Maha‑Ride, Maha‑Yatri, or Maha Go—aims to provide affordable, transparent transport while creating jobs for unemployed Marathi youth.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said that although the app is still pending final approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, it is already in the final stages of regulatory alignment. “We are collaborating with Maharashtra Institute for Transport Technology, MITRA, and private tech firms to develop this app under central aggregator guidelines,” he said
The initiative is not only about transport; it’s also a youth empowerment strategy. Unemployed young people will be eligible for vehicle purchase loans at a 10% interest rate from Mumbai Bank, with an 11% subsidy from state-run corporations Annasaheb Economic Development Corporation, Vimukta Jati Corporation, OBC Corporation, and MSDC making the loans effectively interest-free
Sarnaik emphasised that this government-led platform would curb the exploitation allied with some unofficial apps. “Private apps often profit at the expense of both drivers and passengers,” he observed. The state-supported app promises a more equitable model, backed by infrastructure, technology, and manpower to benefit all stakeholders
A pivotal meeting is scheduled for August 5 at Mantralaya, where Chief Minister Fadnavis, Deputy CMs, MLA Praveen Darekar, government officials, and app developers will review policy frameworks and finalise the app’s operational plan
Earlier in July, Sarnaik had directed strict legal action against private app-based transport services buses, cars, or bike taxis that disobey regulations. Now, with the state’s own platform in the works, Maharashtra may soon offer a public alternative that emphasises regulation, transparency, and social impact
If approved, Maha‑Ride or its alternative name heralds a new chapter in Maharashtra’s public transport system, blending digital governance with economic upliftment for local youth, while tackling the influence of private ride-hailing monopolies.
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