Fewer autos on Mumbai roads as drivers stay home over Marathi test

The Maharashtra government's crackdown on non-Marathi speaking auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers has resulted in fewer commercial passenger vehicles being seen on roads in parts of Mumbai, with several drivers opting to stay home amid fears of being served notices and having their licenses suspended. In Thane, Sion, and parts of Kurla, drivers reported that their colleagues decided to take a day off due to the enforcement drive.

In total, 8,217 drivers were tested across Maharashtra on the first day, including 3,995 in the MMR, of which 604 were found lacking the required proficiency. Many drivers, like 58-year-old Izhar Mohammed from Prayagraj, were unable to secure admission to Marathi training classes at the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and resorted to private tutoring instead.

The enforcement drive, which continues until September 30, involves deploying flying squads to conduct on-ground checks of drivers' knowledge of Marathi, focusing on practical communication rather than formal fluency. Those found lacking proficiency are issued notices and given one month to acquire basic Marathi skills. Failure to demonstrate adequate knowledge during a subsequent check can result in badge suspension for three months, with further action possible for repeated violations.

The crackdown follows a statewide drive to teach non-Marathi speakers basic language proficiency through daily sessions, with a deadline of August 15.