The Maharashtra government is preparing to launch its own app-based transport platform—tentatively named Jai Maharashtra, Maha-Ride, Maha-Yatri, or Maha-Go—offering taxi, auto-rickshaw, and e-bike services under state oversight. Aimed at curbing the dominance of private ride-hailing operators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido, the initiative is expected to create job opportunities and bring transparency to fares and driver earnings.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who also chairs the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, confirmed that the app is in the final stages of development. It is being built in collaboration with the state’s Transport Department, the Maharashtra Institute for Transport Technology, and the public agency MITRA, alongside select private technology partners. Final approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar is anticipated shortly.

The government is positioning this platform as a socially responsible alternative, emphasizing fairness and accountability to benefit both users and drivers. Sarnaik accused private aggregators of exploiting drivers and passengers through unauthorized apps and pledged to eliminate such unregulated practices by leveraging government infrastructure and oversight.

In a move to empower youth participation, the Maharashtra government will offer vehicle loans at a 10% interest rate through Mumbai Bank, alongside an interest subsidy of 11% from state agencies, effectively making the financing interest-free for eligible participants. Sarnaik described this as a key measure to support local youth in becoming self-reliant entrepreneurs.

The state has emphasized that the platform will comply fully with central government aggregator guidelines, including fare regulation, complaint redressal mechanisms, and safety protocols. A critical design meeting with stakeholders—including bank officials, app developers, and government representatives—is scheduled for August 5 at the Transport Ministry to finalize rollout plans.

The app’s launch comes amid rising scrutiny over unauthorized bike taxi services in Maharashtra. Authorities have seized over 123 vehicles, most operated by Rapido, for carrying passengers without valid permits. The new platform aims to provide a legally compliant alternative, aligning with the recent central government push to formalize bike taxi operations under state frameworks.

Local transport unions and regulatory bodies previously raised concerns during public consultations about safety risks and livelihood impacts from unauthorized bike taxis. Maharashtra’s finalized policy now mandates licensing, fare transparency, and safety compliance for app-based services.

Government officials expect the platform to challenge fare practices in inaccessible app-based markets and improve service reliability while empowering local entrepreneurs. By controlling commission structures and fare rules, the app aims to ensure a fair revenue model for drivers and affordable rides for commuters.

If launched successfully, Maharashtra’s indigenous mobility platform could become a template for state-backed alternatives to private ride-hailing networks. A move that blends technology, policy, and socioeconomic empowerment, the app seeks to enhance urban transport governance while supporting youth employment and sustainability.