N※N

'BJP is killing BEST': Aaditya Thackeray criticises plan to introduce bike taxis in Mumbai

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. ises-plan-to-introduce-bike-taxis-in-mumbai.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 9:51 GMT by Mid Day
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Aaditya Thackeray Criticises Maharashtra’s Bike‑Taxi Proposal, Accuses BJP of Undermining Public Transport

Published by Mid-Day on 7 September 2023

The state of Maharashtra’s latest foray into urban mobility has sparked a heated political backlash. In a fiery statement released this week, Maharashtra Chief Minister‑designate and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray slammed the government’s plan to launch a city‑wide bike‑taxi network, alleging that the ruling BJP‑led coalition is “trying to kill the public transport system” that millions of residents depend on daily. The comment, posted on the politician’s social‑media account and amplified by mainstream media, comes amid a broader debate about how the state should address its chronic traffic congestion, safety concerns, and rising air pollution.

What Is the Bike‑Taxi Plan?

In a government press release earlier this month, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) together with the Maharashtra Transport Department unveiled a new scheme: licensed two‑wheelers—primarily motorbikes and scooters—would be converted into “bike taxis” that could serve passengers on a hire‑pay‑per‑ride basis. The proposal includes the following key features:

The BJP‑led Maharashtra government says the scheme is a response to a growing demand for last‑mile connectivity that public buses and auto‑rickshaws cannot adequately meet. They argue that bike taxis can reduce traffic congestion, cut carbon emissions, and provide a new source of income for motorbike owners and drivers.

Aaditya Thackeray’s Response

Thackeray, the son of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, took to his Twitter feed to call the proposal “unwise” and “dangerous.” In a video posted at 11:30 p.m. IST, he stated:

“The BJP’s new bike‑taxi policy is a direct attack on the public transport system that we have built over decades. We are not giving you an auto‑rickshaw; we are giving you a private vehicle that will only increase congestion, noise and accidents.”

Thackeray’s remarks highlight three core concerns:

1. Safety Risks – He warned that the high volume of motorbike taxis could increase the likelihood of accidents, especially on congested roads. “Every two‑wheeler on the road is a potential hazard. We cannot allow an uncontrolled influx of these vehicles,” he added.

2. Noise and Pollution – While the government touts reduced emissions, Thackeray pointed out that scooters often run on petrol and diesel, producing more noise and particulate matter than electric buses or rail. “Noise pollution will increase in already over‑crowded streets,” he said.

3. Undermining Public Transport – The Shiv Sena and its allies argue that the bike‑taxi scheme diverts investment away from essential public transport infrastructure—such as BRTS corridors, suburban rail upgrades, and the expanding Mumbai Metro network. “Investing in a private mode of transport is an affront to the public transport that millions rely upon,” Thackeray argued.

Thackeray’s statement was bolstered by the political context: the BJP and Shiv Sena, who had been governing Maharashtra together since 2014, recently fell into a stalemate over the state’s budget and key ministries. The opposition, led by the Indian National Congress and the NCP, has consistently called for a “re‑prioritisation of public transport” and has accused the ruling coalition of using populist measures to gain political advantage.

Reactions from Other Politicians and Stakeholders

Following Thackeray’s statement, several officials weighed in on the debate:

• Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of Road Transport, emphasised that the bike‑taxi scheme is aligned with the National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP), which calls for diversified modes of transport. “It’s about creating an inclusive, flexible network that can respond to the demand of a rapidly growing urban population,” he said.

• Maharashtra Transport Minister G. D. Patil clarified that the government will impose strict regulatory checks on bike‑taxi operators, including biometric driver ID, real‑time tracking, and mandatory safety gear. “We will not allow a chaotic influx of vehicles. Safety and compliance will be top priority,” he assured.

• Transport lobby groups such as the Indian Motor Cycle and Scooter Owners Association (IMSOA) expressed support for the bike‑taxi initiative, citing potential earnings for motorbike owners. They argue that the government’s plan will create thousands of informal jobs and reduce idle time for existing commuters.

• Residents’ welfare organisations from Mumbai’s Navi Mumbai suburb expressed mixed feelings. While some welcomed the promise of cheaper last‑mile connectivity, others voiced concerns about traffic congestion and safety on narrow streets.

What Does This Mean for Maharashtra’s Future?

The policy’s trajectory will hinge on a number of factors, including political pressure, public opinion, and technical feasibility:

• Political Feasibility – With the Shiv Sena–NCP alliance still in a tenuous partnership, the introduction of a high‑profile scheme like bike taxis may be used by the ruling coalition to showcase pro‑commuter measures before the upcoming state elections.

• Economic Viability – The projected cost of registering 2.5 lakh bikes, training drivers, and installing safety infrastructure could weigh heavily on the state’s budget. If the scheme fails to attract sufficient riders, it could become a fiscal drain.

• Urban Planning – The scheme will need to be integrated into existing transport corridors to avoid counter‑productive congestion. This requires coordination with municipal traffic management agencies and a clear zoning framework.

• Public Perception – The real test will be how commuters respond. If the bike‑taxi service proves to be reliable, affordable, and safe, it could carve a niche as a complementary mode of transport. However, if safety incidents mount or costs rise, public backlash could undermine the entire policy.

In the coming weeks, the Maharashtra Transport Department will hold consultations with stakeholders to refine the implementation plan. Meanwhile, the political narrative remains sharply divided: the BJP’s push for the bike‑taxi network is framed as an innovative response to urban mobility challenges, while the Shiv Sena’s Aaditya Thackeray presents it as a threat to the public transport ecosystem and a ploy by the ruling party to secure electoral advantage.

As Maharashtra’s bustling streets continue to grapple with congestion, the debate over bike taxis underscores a broader question that will shape the state’s transportation future: How should a rapidly growing metropolis balance innovative, private‑sector solutions with the needs of a vast public‑transport‑reliant population?