Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials in Bhubaneswar-I have filed a complaint against online cab aggregator businesses such as OLA, Uber, and Rapido for operating without a licence in the state capital and surrounding areas.
According to section 93 (iii) of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, aggregators must obtain a licence from the relevant agencies in the state where they intend to operate.
“On April 20, 2023, the government notified the aggregator policy (Odisha On-demand Transportation Technology Aggregators Guidelines, 2023).” Despite several meetings and reminders, the aggregators have failed to apply for a licence in accordance with the rules. They are also using private two-wheelers in their services, which is against the laws, according to Bikash Chandra Choudhury, RTO, Bhubaneswar-I.
“The policy permits aggregators to use only transportation vehicles.” We also sent them multiple notices and met with the aggregators during meetings, even at the Commissioner level. However, they continue to operate without a license. So, on Tuesday, we filed a police report against these companies,” Choudhury continued.
Different private vehicle owners associations in the city had also complained to the authorities against the aggregators for engaging private motor cycles in commercial activities in the city.
Meanwhile, police sources stated that they have sought all the relevant documents from the RTO on this issue.
Police will take action against online aggregator firms after examining the documents.