Maharashtra government will launch cab, auto and e-bike booking app, will the rides be cheaper?
Ride Booking App: Private ride-hailing companies like Ola, Uber and Rapido have dominated Maharashtra so far. But now these companies are going to face tough competition.
Private taxi-hailing firms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido have had a virtual monopoly in Maharashtra till date. But now these players will have to meet stiff competition. The Devendra Fadnavis government is planning to launch its own app-based travel service whereby individuals will be able to book vehicles such as auto, taxi and e-bike.
According to state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, the name of this government app can be 'Jai Maharashtra', 'Maha-Ride', 'Maha-Yatri' or 'Maha-Go'. However, before launching the app, the approval of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and both Deputy CMs - Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar - is still awaited.
Saranaik said that talks are going on with Maharashtra Institute for Transport Technology (MITT) and MITRA as well as some private companies to make the app. All the necessary features will be added to maintain transparency in the app and it will be ready soon.
For this scheme, the government will give loans to unemployed youth at mere 10 percent interest to purchase a vehicle. Mumbai Bank Chairman Praveen Derekar has promised that this scheme will be useful to give financial assistance to the poor youth.
Many government organizations like Annasaheb Economic Development Corporation, Vimukta Jati Corporation, OBC Corporation and MSDC will also give 11 percent interest subsidy on this loan, due to which this loan will become almost interest free.
Saranaik said that the draft of the app policy is being prepared in accordance with the aggregator guidelines of the Central Government and it is in the final stage. He also targeted private apps and said that these companies are exploiting both drivers and passengers. In comparison, the government's app will be transparent, technically capable and beneficial to both parties.
The final review meeting before the app launch will be held on August 5 at the ministry. MLA Praveen Derekar, technical experts and government officials will participate in it. After this meeting, the formalities related to the app launch will be completed.
Earlier in July, the Transport Minister had warned private ride-sharing companies that all bus, taxi and bike-taxi services running in the state will have to follow the prescribed rules. He has instructed the officials to take strict legal action against the companies that violate the rules.
