Amendments to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 Aim to Enhance Passenger Safety and Public Service
Mumbai, July 8: The Government of Maharashtra has made practical knowledge of the Marathi language mandatory for drivers of commercial passenger vehicles by amending Rules 4, 22, 78 and 85 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The revised provisions will come into effect from August 16, 2026. The official notification was issued on July 8, and Maharashtra’s Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik, announced the decision in the State Legislature.
The Minister stated that Marathi is not a language that excludes people, but one that connects individuals and strengthens social harmony. He emphasised that Maharashtra has always welcomed people from across India who come to the state in search of employment and opportunities. However, he said that possessing practical knowledge of Marathi for day-to-day communication with the public is not merely a legal requirement but also a social responsibility for those providing passenger transport services.
Clarifying the intent behind the policy, the Minister said the decision is not directed against any language. Instead, it has been introduced to improve passenger safety, facilitate effective communication between drivers and commuters, and strengthen the quality and reliability of public transport services. Better communication, he noted, would reduce misunderstandings, enable quicker assistance during emergencies, and enhance public confidence in the transport system.
To ensure smooth implementation of the new provisions, the Transport Department has been conducting a statewide training programme over the past several months. With the support of the Department of Marathi Language, the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, and the efforts of Industries Minister Uday Samant, thousands of experienced instructors have been engaged to train commercial drivers across Maharashtra.
Training sessions are being organised through Regional Transport Offices and designated training centres at timings convenient for drivers. The curriculum focuses on practical communication skills required in daily operations, including courteous interaction with passengers, providing directions, explaining fares, handling emergency situations, and communicating effectively with women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. Easy-to-understand learning material, conversation guides and practical manuals have been prepared to make learning Marathi simple and accessible.
The Minister further said that while every individual should take pride in their own mother tongue, those who earn their livelihood in Maharashtra should also embrace the state’s official language with respect. Honouring Marathi, he said, is a mark of respect for Maharashtra’s culture, history and the sentiments of its people.
Expressing confidence that the initiative would strengthen linguistic pride while improving passenger safety and the quality of public services, the Minister assured that the State Government would provide all necessary training, guidance and support for its effective implementation. He appealed to commercial drivers, vehicle owners, transport associations and citizens to participate positively in the initiative and contribute towards building a more harmonious, safer and linguistically inclusive Maharashtra.
Concluding his address, the Minister referred to the celebrated Marathi poem by renowned poet Suresh Bhat, saying that the initiative represents far more than a regulatory change. It symbolises Maharashtra’s commitment to preserving its linguistic heritage while fostering inclusivity, mutual respect and stronger public engagement.
