In a major move to create employment opportunities for local youth and break the monopoly of private aggregators, the Maharashtra government is planning to introduce its own app-based passenger transport services for cabs, autorickshaws, and e-bikes. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Monday revealed that the government is developing a dedicated mobile application, which may be named "Jai Maharashtra," "Maha-Ride," "Maha-Yatri," or "Maha-Go." The final approval for the initiative will come from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.
"Currently, private companies dominate the app-based cab and bike taxi market, often exploiting both passengers and drivers through high commissions and surge pricing. Our government aims to offer an affordable, transparent alter-native through a state-backed app," said Sarnaik.
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The app is being developed in collaboration with Maharashtra Institute for Transport Technology (MITT), MITRA, and select private technology partners. The project is in its final stages of drafting guide-lines under the Centre's aggregator policy framework.
According to Sarnaik, all necessary features to ensure transparency, passenger safety, and driver welfare will be in-corporated. "Once operational, this will not only benefit passengers with fair pricing but also help drivers earn a sus-tainable income without being exploited by aggregator companies," he added.
The state government plans to make this initiative a key employment generator. To help unemployed youth purchase vehicles, Mumbai Bank will provide loans at an interest rate of 10%, while various state corporations-including the Annasaheb Economic Development Corporation, No-madic Tribes Development Corporation, OBC Development Corporation, and MSDC-will offer 11% interest subvention, effectively making the loans almost interest-free. "This scheme will empower thousands of young men and women across Maharashtra, enabling them to become self-reliant," said Sarnaik.