The Maharashtra government has made functional knowledge of Marathi compulsory for drivers of commercial passenger vehicles, with the new rule set to take effect from August 16, 2026. The decision is aimed at improving communication between drivers and passengers, enhancing public safety, and strengthening customer service across the state's transport system.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the decision in the Maharashtra Legislature on Wednesday, July 8, following the issuance of a government notification. To implement the policy, the state has amended Rules 4, 22, 78, and 85 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
Emphasising that Marathi is "a language that connects people, not one that excludes them," Sarnaik said the policy is intended to promote better public interaction rather than impose linguistic barriers. He clarified that the move is not directed against any other language but seeks to ensure that commercial drivers can communicate effectively with passengers in the state's official language.
According to the minister, Maharashtra has always welcomed people from across the country in search of employment. However, drivers providing public transport services should possess sufficient practical Marathi to assist commuters, respond during emergencies, and deliver better customer service.
The government believes improved communication will reduce misunderstandings, enable faster assistance in critical situations, and particularly benefit women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. Officials also expect the measure to strengthen public confidence in the transport system.
To support the implementation of the new rule, the Transport Department has been conducting statewide training programmes over the past several months. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the state's Marathi Language Department, the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, and the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, with support from Industries Minister Uday Samant.
Experienced instructors have been deployed at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and driver training centres across Maharashtra. The training schedules have been designed to accommodate drivers' working hours, making it easier for them to participate.
The curriculum focuses on practical, everyday Marathi, covering conversations related to routes, destinations, fares, directions, emergency situations, and courteous interaction with passengers. Drivers are also being trained to communicate effectively with women, elderly passengers, and persons with disabilities. To simplify learning, the government has prepared user-friendly booklets, conversational guides, and other training materials.
Sarnaik urged commercial drivers, vehicle owners, transport associations, and citizens to support the initiative, assuring them that the government would provide all necessary guidance and training. He expressed confidence that the policy would improve service standards, enhance passenger safety, and foster greater respect for Maharashtra's language and cultural heritage.
The minister also encouraged everyone working in Maharashtra to take pride in their mother tongue while embracing Marathi as the state's official language. Respecting Marathi, he said, also means respecting Maharashtra's history, culture, and the sentiments of its people.
During his address, the Legislative Council echoed with the famous lines of poet Suresh Bhat, celebrating Marathi as a language that transcends religion, caste, and community to unite people.
Concluding his statement, Sarnaik described the decision as more than a regulatory change, calling it a significant step towards strengthening Maharashtra's identity, promoting inclusiveness, and improving the quality of public transport services across the state.
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