Madhya Pradesh Transport Dept Faces Scrutiny as Ola-Uber Taxis Run Without Renewed Licences

The transport department of Madhya Pradesh is under fire after reports emerged that Ola and Uber taxis are still active on the state's roads despite the renewal of their operating licences being stalled. Both ride‑hailing firms continue to list vehicles on their platforms, offering services to commuters in major cities and towns across the state.

According to the department's standard procedure, commercial taxi licences must be renewed periodically, a process that involves safety checks and fee payments. Sources indicate that the renewal applications for the two companies have been pending for several weeks, yet no directive to suspend services has been issued.

State officials have declined to comment on the specific reasons for the delay, but opposition lawmakers and consumer groups have demanded a clear explanation. Critics argue that allowing the services to run without updated licences could compromise passenger safety and undermine regulatory authority.

The transport ministry is expected to review the matter internally and issue guidance on whether the existing licences remain valid until formal renewal is completed. No immediate suspension of Ola or Uber operations has been announced.