As a result, the number of autorickshaws and taxis on Mumbai’s roads has reduced in some areas, leading to inconvenience for passengers.
The transport department has started taking action against drivers who do not know Marathi. Notices are being issued, and authorities can also suspend licences and badges in cases where drivers fail to meet the requirements.
The enforcement has caused concern among some drivers who feel they could face action if they do not have sufficient knowledge of the language. Some have therefore chosen not to bring their autorickshaws and taxis onto the roads until they are better prepared.
The impact has been particularly noticeable during peak office hours in the morning and evening. Passengers have also reported difficulties finding vehicles near railway stations and busy commercial areas, where demand for autorickshaws and taxis is usually high.
Driver organisations, however, have said they are not opposed to learning Marathi. Many drivers have already enrolled in or completed Marathi language training.
The main concern is the limited number of training centres. According to driver representatives, the available centres are not enough to train all drivers within the current time frame.
Shashank Rao, president of the Mumbai Autorickshaw-Taximen’s Union, said the organisation has requested the transport minister to provide an additional three-month extension.
The union has also asked the authorities not to take punitive action during the extended period so that drivers get enough time to complete their Marathi language training.
The issue has now become a challenge for both drivers and passengers, with transport services being affected in some parts of Mumbai amid the ongoing implementation of the language requirement.
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