Bhubaneswar, Nov 13: The Odisha Police Crime Branch has directed app-based ride-hailing companies Uber and Rapido to discontinue bookings for unauthorised privately registered motorcycles used for commercial passenger transportation within 15 days.The directive was issued through a letter dated November 10, addressed to the Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman of the State Transport Authority (STA). The Crime Branch has asked the authorities to ensure that the two companies stop facilitating passenger rides through private motorcycles that do not have the necessary authorisation for commercial operations.The action follows special inspection reports submitted by the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) of Cuttack, Bhubaneswar-I and Bhubaneswar-II. During the inspections, officials found that certain privately registered two-wheelers were being used to ferry passengers commercially through online applications.According to the Crime Branch, such practices violate the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Odisha On-Demand Transportation Technology Aggregators Guidelines, 2023.Following the findings, the Crime Branch has instructed the nodal officers of Uber and Rapido to take immediate steps to discontinue bookings involving unauthorised private bikes in Odisha.The companies have also been asked to introduce suitable technological measures, including geo-fencing, to prevent such bookings within the state.However, the directive does not impose a blanket ban on all two-wheelers or app-based passenger transport services. It specifically targets privately registered motorcycles that lack the required authorisation for commercial passenger transportation.Uber and Rapido’s cab and auto-rickshaw services will continue to operate as usual without any disruption.Both companies have been given 15 days to implement the instructions and submit detailed compliance reports to the Crime Branch. Copies of the reports must also be submitted to the State Transport Authority.The authorities have warned that failure to comply with the directive may invite regulatory action by the STA. The letter also refers to the possibility of further proceedings under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.The move aims to ensure compliance with transport regulations and prevent the unauthorised commercial use of privately registered motorcycles in Odisha.
Uber, Rapido bike rides in Odisha: What changes in the next 15 days?
