Marathi Language Training Completed for Over 1.65 Lakh Auto and Taxi Drivers Across Maharashtra, Transport Department to Offer One-Month Window Before Badge Cancellation Action

The Maharashtra Transport Department has completed a 105-day Marathi language training programme for approximately 1.65 lakh auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers across the state to facilitate smoother communication with commuters. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the conclusion of the special initiative at a press conference in Mantralaya, adding that the drive would continue in subsequent phases as part of the department’s public outreach.

The initiative was launched following repeated complaints from passengers regarding communication barriers with non-Marathi speaking public transport drivers, particularly in high-density urban belts. The training modules were conducted in collaboration with local literary bodies, including the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, alongside representatives from prominent transport labor unions.

Under the current regulatory framework, commercial driver badges are issued subject to basic local language proficiency and background verification. However, rapid urban migration over the past decade led to gaps in compliance, prompting the transport authority to introduce structured language training rather than initiating immediate punitive measures.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, the transport department will grant an initial one-month extension to drivers who have not yet undertaken or completed the training. Officials clarified that the grace period is intended to give all active operators adequate opportunity to acquire functional conversational skills in Marathi.

Drivers who consciously refuse to learn the language after the grace period will face regulatory action, including the potential cancellation of their commercial driving badges under existing transport laws. The regional transport offices have been instructed to monitor compliance during routine badge renewals and vehicle fitness inspections.

Addressing concerns regarding enforcement in metropolitan areas, Minister Sarnaik urged citizens not to pay attention to rumors circulated by anti-social elements attempting to create friction in the Mumbai and Thane regions. He emphasized that the administration remains in continuous dialogue with union leaders to resolve operational challenges amicably.

Labor representative Shashank Rao and senior office-bearers from participating literary associations attended the briefing, extending support to the gradual implementation of the language mandate. Union leaders noted that structured classes have helped reduce daily disputes between commuters and drivers over fares and route directions.

The transport department plans to set up permanent regional training desks at key RTO locations across Maharashtra to train newly licensed commercial drivers, ensuring ongoing compliance without disrupting daily public transport operations.