The Maharashtra Transport Department will launch a statewide verification drive from May 1 to August 15 to enforce its decision mandating knowledge of Marathi for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers. The initiative aims to strengthen compliance while offering training support to drivers unfamiliar with the language.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the move at a press conference, stating that a four-member committee led by Additional Transport Commissioner Ravindra Gaikwad will oversee the campaign.