Maharashtra Launches ‘Practical Marathi’ Initiative for Transport Drivers; State-Wide RTO Inspections to Begin May 1
Maharashtra launches ‘Practical Marathi’ guide for Ola, Uber, and taxi drivers. State-wide RTO inspections for licenses and language skills begin May 1, 2026.
MUMBAI – In a significant move to bridge the communication gap between commuters and transport service providers, the Maharashtra Transport Department has launched a “Practical Marathi” initiative aimed at non-Marathi speaking drivers. The program, which includes the release of a specialized guidebook, was officially inaugurated at Mantralaya by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.
The initiative targets drivers of auto-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The newly released guidebook, compiled with the assistance of prominent literary bodies such as the Mumbai Marathi Literary Association and the Konkan Marathi Literary Council, features essential phrases designed to facilitate seamless daily transactions.
रिक्षामध्ये आणि टॅक्सीमध्ये बसल्यानंतर मराठीतच बोलेन ही भूमिका प्रत्येक प्रवासी घेईल तेव्हा सरकारच्या योजनेला यश येईल#Pratapsarnaik #Transportminister #Rtoofficemeeting #autorikshaw #mymarathi pic.twitter.com/Jm9Ms5NdBs
— Pratap Baburao Sarnaik (@PratapSarnaik) April 29, 2026
State-Wide Inspections and Verification
Following a review meeting led by Transport Minister Pratap Baburao Sarnaik and Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, the state has announced a massive RTO inspection campaign starting May 1, 2026, and running through August 15.
The campaign has two primary objectives:
- Document Verification: Authorities will conduct a comprehensive audit of licenses, badges, and permits to weed out those obtained through forged documents.
- Language Assessment: RTO officers will assess whether drivers possess a “practical knowledge” of Marathi.
Minister Sarnaik clarified the government’s stance, emphasizing that the goal is empowerment rather than displacement. “The purpose is not to deprive anyone of their livelihood,” Sarnaik stated. “No action will be taken against a driver solely for an inability to speak Marathi. Instead, they will be provided with guidance, resources, and a grace period to learn the language.”
The ‘Mira-Bhayandar’ Model
The decision follows a successful “litmus test” conducted in Mira-Bhayandar earlier this month. Of the 3,443 auto-rickshaw drivers inspected, 565 were found unable to speak Marathi. According to officials, these drivers responded positively to the initiative, expressing a willingness to learn the local tongue to better serve their passengers.
To ensure effective implementation, a four-member committee headed by Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad has been appointed to monitor progress every 15 days.
A Call to Passengers
While the government is making Marathi mandatory for transport businesses in the state, Minister Sarnaik also called upon the public to support the movement. “The government’s efforts will reach full fruition only when every passenger takes the stance of speaking in Marathi when they board a rickshaw or taxi,” he noted.
Strict legal action remains reserved for those found with fraudulent documentation or those who show outright opposition to the state’s linguistic policies. For the rest, the government has promised a collaborative approach, working closely with driver unions to ensure Maharashtra’s transport services reflect the state’s cultural identity.
