Mumbai RTO Checks 1,430 Drivers, Issues Notices To 422 Over Marathi Language Requirement
Mumbai, August 20, 2026: Nearly one in three autorickshaw and taxi drivers checked by RTO flying squads on Thursday failed to demonstrate the required practical knowledge of Marathi, as the state government's language requirement moved into its first major enforcement exercise. Officials checked 1,430 drivers and issued show-cause notices to 422, signalling that the implementation of the rule…
On August 20, 2026, the Mumbai Regional Transport Office (RTO) conducted extensive checks on drivers, finding that nearly a third of those inspected lacked the practical knowledge of Marathi language required by the state government. Over 1,430 drivers were checked, and 422 received show-cause notices, marking the first major enforcement of the language requirement.
Major transport hubs in Mumbai, including Bandra, Goregaon, Kurla, Dadar, Borivali, and Wadala, were targeted. Tardeo RTO inspected 385 vehicles, issuing 94 notices, while Borivali teams checked 450 and found 113 drivers lacking adequate Marathi skills. At Wadala, 192 vehicles were inspected, resulting in 75 notices. Andheri saw 403 drivers checked, with 140 receiving notices.
These notices do not immediately suspend or cancel badges, but drivers have a month to acquire Marathi skills and explain why further action should not be taken. Failure to comply could lead to badge suspension for up to three months, and continued non-compliance could result in badge cancellation. However, the certification process itself has proven challenging, with drivers reporting long queues, limited counters, and delays in receiving certificates.
This has raised concerns, as drivers who have completed the government's Marathi training program are now facing difficulties in obtaining the necessary certificates due to the administrative hurdles. One driver at Tardeo RTO expressed frustration about losing a day's income due to the time spent at the RTO. Another driver, who completed the course in August, highlighted the uncertainty about proving compliance if the certificate is delayed.
The transport department had initially announced that around 165,000 non-Marathi-speaking drivers participated in a Marathi language training campaign. The requirement aims to ensure drivers can communicate effectively with passengers in Marathi. New applicants for taxi and autorickshaw badges will now face assessments through direct interaction with RTO officials, with video-recorded assessments.
While the government has started enforcing the requirement, the success of the policy will depend on resolving the certification process issues to prevent penalties for drivers who have already undergone training.
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