Rapido bike taxi ban in Pune has intensified after police asked Google and Apple to remove the ride-hailing app from their respective app stores.
The move follows an FIR registered against the company over allegations that it operated bike-taxi services without the required licences and permissions.
The latest action adds to the regulatory pressure on Rapido, whose bike-taxi booking option reportedly remained available despite earlier directions to stop operations.
Pune authorities are seeking stronger enforcement while the company’s application for the necessary approvals remains pending.
Rapido Bike Taxi Ban in Pune: What Happened?
On October 26, 2026, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed that communications had been sent to Google and Apple requesting the removal of the Rapido app from their app stores.
The request came after District Collector Jitendra Dudi asked police to take action against the bike-taxi booking facility.
The collector had previously directed Rapido to stop its bike-taxi pilot operations in Pune until it obtained the necessary licence.
Authorities said the service could not continue without the approvals required under the applicable transport regulations.
The latest request does not confirm that Google or Apple have removed the app.
It is also not confirmation that every Rapido service, including its other ride categories, has been formally banned across the city.
Why Was an FIR Filed Against Rapido?
The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) filed an FIR against Roppen Transportation Services Private Limited, which operates Rapido, on October 16, 2026.
The complaint alleged that the platform facilitated paid passenger journeys using petrol-powered motorcycles registered for private use rather than commercial transport, without the required authorisation.
According to the complaint, an RTO inspector booked a ride through the app from Commerce Zone in Yerawada to Kothrud Bus Depot.
The booking showed a distance of around 13 kilometres and a fare of ₹179.
When a motorcycle arrived at the pickup location, officials questioned the rider, seized the vehicle and issued a challan under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The FIR cited provisions of the relevant transport, criminal and information technology laws.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and are not a final finding of guilt.
 Rapido Faces Pressure Over Licensing Rules
The action follows repeated concerns from transport authorities about whether app-based bike-taxi services are complying with Maharashtra’s licensing requirements.
Officials have said that Rapido’s application to operate bike taxis in Pune was still awaiting approval.
Maharashtra’s bike-taxi policy includes conditions for authorised operations, including the use of electric two-wheelers and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Authorities have maintained that companies must obtain the necessary permissions before offering paid passenger transport.
The dispute has also drawn criticism from autorickshaw unions, which have called for stricter enforcement against services they allege are operating without the required approvals.
The issue highlights the challenges of balancing app-based transport options with licensing rules and passenger safety requirements.
What the Latest Action Means for Pune Commuters
For passengers, the immediate uncertainty concerns the availability of Rapido’s bike-taxi service and whether further restrictions will follow.
Although police have requested the removal of the app from Google Play and Apple’s App Store, the request itself does not establish that either platform has complied.
Rapido bike taxi ban in Pune remains a developing regulatory issue, and commuters should check the service’s current availability before relying on it for travel.
The status of other services offered through the app should be verified separately.
The next steps will depend on the response from the app-store operators, further action by Pune Police and the company’s efforts to obtain the necessary permissions.
Until the regulatory position becomes clearer, passengers and riders should follow official directions and applicable transport rules.
