Mumbai, July 8 (IANS) In a major policy move aimed at enhancing public safety and streamlining commuter interactions, the Maharashtra government has made practical knowledge of the Marathi language mandatory for all commercial passenger vehicle drivers across the state.

The mandate, which comes into effect on August 16, 2026, follows official amendments to Rules 4, 22, 78, and 85 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday announced the decision in both houses of the state legislature, confirming that the formal notification was issued on July 8.

Addressing the legislature, Sarnaik clarified that the directive is designed to protect passengers rather than alienate non-local workers.

He stated that Maharashtra has always opened its arms to people seeking employment from every corner of India. However, having sufficient practical knowledge of Marathi to communicate with residents is a social responsibility.

He added that clear dialogue between drivers and passengers minimises misunderstandings, ensures swift assistance during emergencies, and reinforces public trust in the transit system.

Recognising the ground-level challenges of this transition, the Transport Department has already rolled out a massive, statewide training infrastructure over the past few months.

To execute this, a multi-departmental alliance was forged. Sarnaik said the State Marathi Language Department has teamed up with Industries Minister Uday Samant, the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, and the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh. A dedicated network of thousands of experienced language teachers has been deployed. Training modules are being delivered directly from Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and specialised centres, offering flexible hours tailored to drivers’ erratic work shifts.

The state has bypassed traditional, dense grammar lessons in favour of a highly functional, specialised curriculum. The training focuses on daily transit vocabulary, commuter etiquette, specialised assistance, and emergency phrases.

Sarnaik noted that seamlessly handling terms related to directions, route locations, fare calculation, and billing will be used. Focus will be on fostering polite, customer-oriented interactions.

Targeted communication strategies will assist women, senior citizens, and differently-abled passengers. Quick, actionable language will manage breakdowns, medical crises, or accidents.

Sarnaik further added that learning is being simplified through highly visual booklets, conversational audio or video series, and lightweight training kits designed to make the transition stress-free. The administration is viewing the move as a major milestone for cultural integration in the workforce.

He noted that everyone working in Maharashtra should take pride in their own mother tongue, but should also embrace the state’s language from the heart.

Sarnaik appealed to commercial drivers, fleet owners, transport unions, and citizens to cooperate with the new regulations, promising full infrastructural support, study materials, and guidance throughout the transition period.

–IANS

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