MUMBAI, March 10 -- Bike taxi services operating across Maharashtra have been suspended after companies failed to comply with conditions attached to their temporary licences, state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik announced in the legislative council on Monday. Responding to concerns raised in the council, Sarnaik said three aggregator companies that were granted temporary licences had begun operations without completing mandatory formalities required under the state's bike taxi policy. The issue was raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sunil Shinde, who questioned the implementation of the Maharashtra Bike Taxi Policy and alleged widespread violations. "As per the policy, only electric bikes are permitted to be used as taxis. However, in reality petrol bikes, including those registered in other states, are being used for commercial purposes. Penal action has already been taken in several cases. This is a serious issue and the government must take stringent measures," Shinde said. He also pointed out that the policy had promised employment opportunities for local youth but alleged that many riders currently operating bike taxis were from outside the state. Shinde further raised concerns over passenger safety and compliance requirements, saying riders were expected to obtain a compliance certificate and ensure safety measures, particularly for women passengers travelling at night. Responding to the criticism, Sarnaik said the state government had introduced the policy with the dual aim of promoting eco-friendly transport and creating employment opportunities. "In Goa, bike taxis have been operating successfully and offer a low-cost transport option. When the proposal was sent to the state cabinet, there was a demand to allow all types of bikes. However, the cabinet insisted that only eco-friendly electric bikes should be permitted," Sarnaik said. He clarified that any bike taxi operating on petrol or diesel was illegal and that Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) had already begun taking action against such vehicles. According to the minister, companies including Rapido, Ola and Uber were granted temporary permission to operate bike taxis for one month on the condition that they submit the required documents and complete regulatory formalities. "They were given one month to submit the necessary papers, but they failed to comply. I have held a meeting with officials and directed them to cancel these temporary licences. Vehicles operating without approval will be treated as illegal," Sarnaik told the council. He added that authorities had received several complaints from commuters about bike taxi operations, including allegations of overcharging. While enforcement action would be taken against companies and illegal operations, Sarnaik said cases would generally not be registered against individual bike owners. Several MLCs also flagged complaints about drivers charging excessive fares. The minister said the transport department would take action if such complaints were formally reported....