Jammu and Kashmir authorities have banned bike and cab aggregator Rapido for operating without mandatory permissions, including a transport licence, required under transport laws. The Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Jammu, Jasmeet Singh, issued a circular declaring the service illegal in the Union Territory.
Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan also confirmed that Rapido has not been granted a licence to operate in the region. Officials have warned commuters against using the service, stating that violators will face regulatory action as enforcement drives against unauthorised aggregators intensify across the UT.
Rapido Declared ‘Unauthorised’
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have officially prohibited the operations of Rapido, a bike taxi and cab aggregation platform, after it was found functioning without the necessary aggregator certificate. The Regional Transport Office (RTO), Jammu, in a circular issued by RTO Jasmeet Singh, stated that the company’s services are “unauthorised and illegal” under existing transport regulations in the Union Territory.
Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan reinforced the decision, confirming that Rapido does not hold any valid licence to operate in Jammu and Kashmir. He also cautioned the public that anyone using or facilitating such services would be doing so “at their own risk.” Officials further directed enforcement teams to take immediate action against such unregistered operations across districts.
Legal Framework And Enforcement Action
The crackdown comes under provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020, which require app-based transport services to obtain prior approval and licensing from state or UT authorities. According to officials, operating without an aggregator licence violates Section 93 of the Act and can attract penalties, including seizure of vehicles and cancellation of permits.
RTO Jammu Jasmeet Singh emphasised that all aggregator platforms must establish proper local compliance systems, including registration with the Transport Department and operational control mechanisms. He also warned that unauthorised services compromise passenger accountability, traceability and safety, prompting stricter enforcement across Jammu and Kashmir.
Growing Scrutiny Of App-Based Mobility Services
In recent months, the Transport Department in Jammu and Kashmir has intensified its regulatory oversight over vehicle-related services, including aggregators and dealers, as part of broader efforts to strengthen road safety and compliance systems. Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan has previously issued multiple directives aimed at improving transparency and curbing unauthorised vehicle operations in the Union Territory.
Officials have repeatedly stressed that while technology-driven mobility platforms are welcome, they must operate strictly within the legal framework. The recent action against Rapido reflects the administration’s push to regulate the rapidly expanding app-based transport ecosystem, which has raised concerns over licensing, passenger safety, and enforcement gaps.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The rapid rise of app-based mobility services has transformed urban transport across India, offering affordability and convenience, especially for short-distance travel. However, this incident highlights a persistent gap between innovation and regulation. While authorities are justified in ensuring compliance, sudden bans can also disrupt access to essential mobility options for daily commuters, particularly students and low-income users.
What is needed is a balanced and forward-looking regulatory approach, one that ensures safety, legality and accountability while also enabling innovation to thrive responsibly. Clearer, faster and more transparent licensing systems could help avoid such disruptions in the future and build trust between startups, regulators and citizens. As India’s mobility landscape evolves, how can authorities and tech platforms work together to ensure both regulation and public convenience go hand in hand?
Rapido Bike services illegal , doesn’t have a license to operate in J&K : Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan . pic.twitter.com/1uf8IpGDFq
— Kashmir Crown (@kashmircrownews) May 10, 2026
