The Maharashtra government has introduced a new policy to make app-based cab rides safer and more reliable across the state.
The new rules aim to stop unnecessary ride cancellations, especially for important trips to airports, railway stations, and hospitals.
Drivers who cancel such bookings without a valid reason will now face much stricter penalties, and the compensation collected will be credited directly to the passenger’s app account.
The new rules apply to app-based taxi services such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The government believes these changes will reduce last-minute cancellations and improve the overall travel experience for passengers.
Tough Rules to Stop Ride Cancellations
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the new aggregator policy includes strict measures to protect passengers, particularly in cities like Mumbai where ride cancellations are a common problem.
Many drivers cancel bookings after seeing that the trip is for a short distance, forcing passengers to wait longer or search for another cab.
Under the new policy, cancelling rides to important destinations like airports, railway stations, and hospitals will attract a penalty that is five times higher than the normal fine.
The money collected from the driver will be transferred directly to the passenger’s account in the cab app.
Passengers Can Also Be Penalised
The new policy also introduces rules for passengers. If a driver does not arrive within 10 minutes of the scheduled pickup time, the ride will be treated as cancelled by the driver, and a ₹100 penalty will be imposed.
Passengers who cancel a ride without a valid reason will also have to pay a cancellation charge. They will be fined 5% of the total fare, up to a maximum of ₹100.
This amount will be paid to the driver to reduce unnecessary cancellations from the passenger’s side.
Heavy Fines for Cab Companies
The Maharashtra government has made it clear that cab aggregators must follow the new rules strictly. Companies that repeatedly violate safety norms, fare regulations, or other policy guidelines could face severe action.
Authorities can suspend or cancel the company’s licence, and penalties ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹1 crore may be imposed depending on the seriousness of the violation.
The state has officially notified the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Aggregator Rules, 2026, also known as the Aggregator Policy 2026, making these rules effective across Maharashtra.