Rickshaw services in Mumbai and across Maharashtra are expected to halt on Wednesday, May 21, due to a statewide protest. Rickshaw unions are leading the protest to oppose the state government's decision to allow e-bike taxi services.
The Mumbai Auto Rickshaw-Taximen's Union has announced a major protest march at the Andheri RTO office. It will take place a day prior on Tuesday, May 20. Many other protests are also happening at RTOs across the state a day prior than statewide protest.
The protest comes after a decision made by the Maharashtra government in April 2025, when the state approved a proposal from the transport department allowing e-bike taxis to operate across Maharashtra. The government says that it will promote green mobility and create self-employment for young people.
Rickshaw unions are not happy with the decision. As per sources, they say the move is one-sided and unfair. According to them, the plan threatens the income of over 1.5 million rickshaw drivers in the state. The unions also say they were not asked for their opinion before the decision was made.
Union leaders believe that the entry of e-bikes into public transport will reduce their already low income. They are already struggling due to high fuel prices and rising inflation.
The rickshaw drivers want the government to cancel the e-bike taxi plan. They say that before taking such big steps, the state should talk to all affected groups. They also point out that there are 12 lakh rickshaws in the state. About 4.5 lakh of them operate in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area. Many of these rickshaws are running on loans.
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