Maharashtra Transport Minister's Rapido Sting Operation Exposes Illegal Bike-Taxi Tactics

Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 10:38 IST

According to the state’s new e-bike taxi policy, only companies using electric bikes and fulfilling strict conditions will be allowed to run bike taxi services legally

Pratap Sarnaik (extreme right) exposed the illegal plying of bike taxis by Rapido by booking a ride in Mumbai under a different name. (News18)

Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik exposed the illegal plying of bike taxis by the popular app Rapido by booking a ride in Mumbai under a different name, laying bare the department’s official version of strict compliance.

According to the state’s new e-bike taxi policy, only companies using electric bikes and fulfilling strict conditions will be allowed to run bike taxi services legally. The policy makes it clear that petrol or non-electric bike taxis remain unauthorised. Despite this, several app-based services have been active on Mumbai’s roads, picking up passengers daily.

To check the reality on ground, Sarnaik directly asked the transport department if any such unauthorised bike taxi app was running in Mumbai or any other city. The department assured him in writing that there was no such illegal app-based service operating anywhere in the state. However, to test this claim, the minister decided to carry out his own investigation.

Sarnaik booked a Rapido bike ride under a fake name through the app. Within just 10 minutes, a Rapido rider arrived at the Shahid Babu Genu junction near the state secretariat to pick up the ‘customer’—unaware that it was the transport minister himself.

The surprise check has come as an embarrassment for transport officials who were quick to deny the existence of illegal bike taxis. By catching Rapido red-handed, the minister has shown that such services are still running under the radar and that the official machinery is either unaware or ignoring them.

The big question now is what action will be taken against the officers who provided misleading information to the minister. Citizens too are watching closely to see whether the government will penalise such app-based companies or simply let them operate while new rules are still being finalised. This incident also raises serious questions about passenger safety, legal checks, and proper licensing.

With growing demand for affordable last-mile travel, the need for clear rules and strict enforcement has become more urgent than ever before. The minister’s sting operation has brought this hidden problem right into the spotlight.

Mayuresh Ganapatye

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...Read More

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...

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