MoRTH Rent-a-Cab Reforms: Proposed, 12 Nov 2026

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released a proposed reform framework for the Rent-a-Cab scheme on 12 November 2026, aiming to simplify licensing, lower fleet entry barriers, and improve passenger safety and driver welfare. No public application window is open yet; the press release only outlines the proposed changes. Operators and stakeholders should study the PIB release and wait for the final official notification before taking any compliance steps.

• Operators can now start with a much smaller fleet — minimum five cabs overall and at least two cabs at each place of operation — instead of the earlier requirement of fifty cabs.
• A single electronic licence will be valid across the entire State or Union Territory for a uniform fee, removing the need for separate permits in different cities.
• The mandatory condition to have branches in five tourist cities has been dropped, making it easier for new players to enter the market.
• Licence grants and renewals are proposed to be completed within sixty days, while adding or removing cabs or operating places will get deemed approval within thirty days.
• Safety features such as location tracking, optional child restraint systems, first-aid kits, a dedicated website, 24-hour grievance support, and emergency repair and towing services are part of the proposal.
• Drivers provided by operators would need police verification, and their welfare would be covered under the Code on Social Security, 2020.

This is a proposed policy framework and not a recruitment or application-based scheme, so there is no eligibility criteria for individuals to apply. The reforms are aimed at cab operators and aggregators who wish to offer tourist taxi services under the new rules once they are formally notified. Any operator — whether providing cabs with drivers or without drivers — would be covered under the proposed licensing regime.

Since the press release does not open any public application or licence window, no individual can apply at this stage. Interested stakeholders should wait for the final official notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for detailed eligibility and compliance requirements.

• Individual job seekers or drivers looking for a government job — this is not a recruitment.
• Operators who cannot meet the proposed minimum fleet of five cabs with at least two cabs per operating place once rules are finalised.
• Entities unwilling to comply with safety mandates such as location tracking, first-aid kits, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
• Operators unable to ensure police verification for their drivers or provide social security benefits as per the Code on Social Security, 2020.

Proposed Rent-a-Cab reforms, Ministry of Road Transport 2026: Koi application window abhi khula nahi hai — sirf official notice dekhein.

Proposed Rent-a-Cab reforms, Ministry of Road Transport 2026: hamari seedhi raay neeche hai.

• Small and mid-sized cab operators stand to benefit the most as the minimum fleet requirement drops sharply from fifty to five cabs, reducing capital entry barriers.
• The single electronic licence across a State or UT removes multi-city permit hassles, which should encourage more organised players to expand services.
• Safety and driver welfare provisions add compliance costs but improve service quality — operators who already follow such practices will adapt faster.
• Since final rules are not yet notified, early preparation — such as fleet documentation, driver verification, and insurance readiness — will give a head start once the application window opens.

• The Ministry will publish the final official notification with detailed rules, fee amounts, and timelines.
• Agar Ministry final rules notify kare, to licence process us official notification mein bataya jayega — abhi koi window nahi khula.
• Koi last date ya form abhi announce nahi hua hai.
• Proposed framework mein licence grant/renewal ke liye 60-day timeline suggested hai; ye tab lagu hoga jab final rules notify hon.

Q. Can I apply for a Rent-a-Cab licence right now?
No. The PIB press release dated 12 November 2026 only proposes reforms; it does not open any public application or licence window. Wait for the final official notification.

Q. What is the new minimum fleet size under the proposed rules?
The proposal reduces the minimum fleet from fifty cabs to five cabs overall, with at least two cabs at each place of operation.

Q. Will I need separate licences for different cities in a State?
No. The proposal introduces one electronic licence valid across the entire State or Union Territory for a uniform fee.

Q. Are safety features like GPS tracking and first-aid kits mandatory?
Yes, the proposed framework includes location tracking, optional child restraint systems, and first-aid kits as part of safer journey requirements.

Q. What about driver welfare under the new scheme?
Operator-provided drivers would require police verification, and their welfare would be covered under the Code on Social Security, 2020.

Q. Where can I read the full press release?
The official PIB press release is available at https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2335619.