Bihar sets October 30 deadline for ride-hailing firms to comply with regulations
The Bihar transport department has warned Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Savari Mithila that their operating licenses face cancellation if they fail to address compliance issues.
Bihar’s transport department has issued a formal ultimatum to major ride-hailing aggregators, including Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Savari Mithila, requiring them to comply with state directives by October 30. During a review meeting on October 23, state transport secretary Raj Kumar announced that failure to implement operational changes will result in the revocation of the companies' operating licenses.
The state has demanded transparency on pricing, specifically regarding night charges and cancellation fees. Furthermore, the government is mandating user-facing improvements, such as providing Hindi-language chatbot support and increasing the duration of in-app notifications. Operational requirements include the establishment of local offices in Bihar and securing formal agreements with the Airports Authority of India for designated waiting areas.
Regulators are also addressing labor standards, requiring platforms to implement a formal process for driver ID suspensions that adheres to principles of natural justice and providing dedicated call support for drivers. Additionally, the department requested that these services exclusively utilize commercial vehicles and expressed interest in integrating the firms into the state’s emergency ambulance network.
This regulatory pressure follows a broader trend in Indian transport policy, as states align with the Union government’s 2025 Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines. The new federal framework sets limits on fare fluctuations and mandates that drivers receive at least 80% of total fare earnings.