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Maharashtra

Mumbai Plans Bike Taxi Services At ₹3 Per Kilometer; Approval Pending, Launch Expected Soon

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Mumbai: Commuting in Mumbai is set to become quicker and more affordable as the state transport department moves forward with plans to introduce bike taxi services. A policy has been drafted, and a report will soon be presented to the assembly. According to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, once approved, the service is expected to launch by the end of this month or early April.

The fare for bike taxi rides has been set at `3 per kilometer. Additionally, it is mandatory for the bike to be equipped with a GPS system. The pillion rider must wear a helmet, and the bike taxis will be painted yellow. A few months ago, Rapido had launched its bike taxi service in Mumbai.

However, following objections from taxi and rickshaw unions, the service was suspended. Now, in a meeting held on January 29, 2025, the government has once again granted permission for bike taxis to operate in the city.

According to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, while approving the service, the transport department has set specific rules and conditions, with special emphasis on women’s safety. A report detailing these guidelines has been prepared and will soon be presented to the legislature. Once approved, bike taxi services will officially begin in Mumbai.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that bike taxi services are currently operational in 22 states across the country and that the fare for bike taxis is less than half of what Ola, Uber car taxis, kaali-peeli taxis, and auto-rickshaws charge. This initiative is expected to create employment opportunities for 10,000 to 20,000 youngsters in Maharashtra while also significantly reducing travel costs.

The bike taxi service has been included in the Chief Minister’s 100-day action plan. Given the importance of women’s safety, a clear policy has been formulated, along with necessary guidelines. A report on these regulations will soon be presented to the legislature for approval.

Maharashtra

Mumbai: Ola, Uber Strike To Resume On Wednesday Noon As Cab Drivers’ Demands Remain Unaddressed

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Mumbai: The Ola and Uber driver strike in Mumbai, suspended until Tuesday, is set to resume on Wednesday if the Maharashtra government fails to address their demands.

The strike was initially called off on Saturday, allowing the government to respond to issues like fare rationalisation, the establishment of a welfare board for drivers, and restrictions on new permits. The Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch confirmed that the strike is merely suspended and will restart if demands remain unmet.

Key driver demands include:

Drivers advocate for fare alignment with traditional taxis.

A financial and legal support board for app-based cab drivers is requested.

There’s a push to limit new cab and auto-rickshaw permit issuance.

Protections under the Maharashtra Gig Workers’ Act for taxi workers are sought.

A review of aggregator platform operations regarding surge pricing and driver ID blocking is desired.

If unresolved by the deadline, drivers plan an escalated protest on Wednesday. According to a report, passengers have been asked to de-board in various locations across Mumbai due to the impending strike. A cab driver from Navi Mumbai highlighted their demand for a fixed rate per kilometre, contrasting current inconsistent rates with a previously established government-fixed rate of Rs 32 per km for AC taxis.

Cab unions have discussed these concerns with Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who has promised a solution within 15 days. Nevertheless, drivers remain skeptical, recalling previous unfulfilled promises. Sarnaik acknowledged the reasonableness of the demands and assured adjustments in policy would be made.

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Maharashtra

2006 Mumbai Train Blasts Case: Maharashtra Govt Moves SC Challenging HC Verdict Acquitting 12 Accused

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The Maharashtra government has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Bombay High Court’s recent decision to acquit all 12 individuals previously convicted in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case. The High Court, in a detailed judgment, overturned the 2015 convictions handed down by a special MCOCA court, which had sentenced five of the accused to death and seven to life imprisonment.

Citing serious lapses in the prosecution’s case—including unreliable witness testimonies, questionable identification procedures, and lack of forensic evidence—the court stated that the guilt of the accused was not proven beyond reasonable doubt. In response, the state government has filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court, arguing that the acquittal undermines efforts to combat terrorism and seeking to have the convictions reinstated.

The case, which stems from coordinated bombings on Mumbai’s suburban rail network that killed over 180 people and injured more than 700, is now poised for further legal scrutiny at the national level.

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Crime

Mumbai Airport Customs Seize 7.318 Kg Of Hydroponic Weed & 99 Bottles Of Codeine Syrup Across 4 Cases

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Mumbai: During the period 15th-20th July, the officers at Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs, Zone-III, made a remarkable seizure of suspected NDPS (hydroponic weed) weighing 7.318 kg and 99 bottles of 100ml each cough syrup containing codeine phosphate across 04 cases. 04 persons were Arrested. 

Highlights of the case: 

(14/15.07.2025) 

Case 1. On the basis of profiling, Customs officers at CSMI Airport , Mumbai Customs, Zone – III intercepted 01 passenger arriving from Bangkok to Mumbai and recovered 610 grams of hydroponic weed. The smuggled goods were concealed inside the trolley bag carried by the passenger. 01 passenger was arrested under the provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

(15/16.07.2025) 

Case 2. On the basis of profiling, Customs officers at CSMI Airport, Mumbai Customs Zone -III intercepted 01 passenger arriving from Bangkok to Mumbai and Recovered 5256 grams of hydroponic weed. The smuggled goods were concealed inside the check-in baggage carried by the passenger. 01 passenger was arrested under the provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

(16/17.07.2025) 

Case 3. On the basis of Specific Intel, Customs officers at CSMI Airport, Mumbai Customs Zone -III intercepted 01 passenger arriving from Bangkok to Mumbai and Recovered 1452 grams of hydroponic weed. The smuggled goods were concealed inside the trolley bag carried by the passenger. 01 passenger was arrested under the provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

(19/20.07.2025) 

Case 4. On the basis of information received, Customs officers at CSMI Airport, Mumbai Customs Zone -III intercepted 01 passenger departing from Mumbai to Riyadh and recovered 99 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine phosphate as its constituent. The smuggled goods were concealed inside the check-in baggage carried by the passenger. 01 passenger was arrested under the provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

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