AI SummaryChhava Ride App is Maharashtra government's official ride-booking platform being developed by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). MSRTC has floated a tender to select a technology partner to build and operate the app, which will bring ST buses, autorickshaws, taxis, and e-buses onto one digital platform.
Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik is leading the project. The app is planned as a state-level multi-modal mobility platform that gives commuters a government-backed alternative to private ride-hailing companies like Ola and Uber.
What is Chhava Ride App?
Chhava Ride is a government ride-booking app being developed by MSRTC for booking buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and e-buses. It will work like popular private ride-hailing apps but with government-set fares and no surge pricing.
- Fair pricing: Minimum platform fee of ₹5 per ride, with no surge pricing or hidden charges.
- Trustworthy drivers: Preference for local, unemployed Marathi youth, with loan support for vehicle purchase.
- Reliable service: Supported by MSRTC's infrastructure, which operates over 14,000 buses and serves nearly 60 lakh passengers daily.
- Wide coverage: Planned as a state-level platform, starting with major cities and expanding across Maharashtra.
Latest Update: MSRTC Floats Tender for Chhava Ride App
On August 3, 2026, MSRTC invited bids to develop and operate Chhava Ride. The selected company will develop the platform, launch the mobile application, and manage its operations and maintenance.
The contract includes one year for development and five years for operations, with an option to extend it by another two years. Online bids closed on August 5, 2026, and technical bids were opened on August 7, 2026. The bidder offering the highest revenue share above the minimum platform fee will be given preference.
Companies taking part in the tender must give a live demonstration of the proposed platform, including its technology, scalability, risk management, and prototype. Only technically qualified bidders will be considered for financial evaluation. The tender requires an earnest money deposit of ₹50 lakh and a tender fee of ₹5 lakh.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Chhava Ride App |
| Launched By | Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) |
| State | Maharashtra |
| Services | ST buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, e-buses |
| Minimum Platform Fee | ₹5 per ride |
| Contract Period | 1 year development + 5 years operations (+2 years extension option) |
| Tender Status | Bids closed August 5, 2026; technical bids opened August 7, 2026 |
| Official Website | MSRTC official website |
A New Era in Maharashtra's Public Transport
A new chapter in Maharashtra's public transportation is taking shape. Unlike private cab services, this app will be run by the state government through MSRTC. It promises affordable fares, reliable service, safety, and support for local youth.
Why is this Chhava app important?
Maharashtra commuters have long faced high fares and unfair practices from private app companies. With Chhava Ride App, the government aims to provide a people-centric alternative, breaking private monopolies and making sure transport is available for everyone.
Also read: Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana
Download Link for Chhava Ride App
The app is not available for download yet. Once the development phase is complete, MSRTC will make the app available on the official Google Play Store for Android devices as well as the Apple App Store for iOS devices.
You can open the respective app store on your phone, type "Chhava Ride" in the search box, and download the app once it is live.
Direct download links will be updated on this page after the official launch.
How Will Chhava Ride App Work - Ride Booking Process?
Chhava Ride App is expected to work mostly similar to other ride booking apps. Below is the expected process of using the app to book and track rides.
STEP 1 - Download the Chhava Ride App from Play Store or App Store after the official launch.
STEP 2 - Register using your mobile number and complete KYC.
STEP 3 - Enter or select your pickup and drop location on the map.
STEP 4 - Choose your preferred mode: Bus, Taxi, Auto, or E-Bus.
STEP 5 - View the estimated fare and available drivers or vehicles.
STEP 6 - Confirm your booking and track your ride live.
STEP 7 - Pay digitally using UPI, card, or other payment modes.
STEP 8 - Rate your ride and give feedback.
Main Objectives and Benefits
Affordable Rides: No overcharging, clear fare system set by the government.
Job Creation: Special loan and subsidy schemes to help Marathi youth become drivers or vehicle owners.
Women and Children's Safety: Strict government oversight for safer travel.
Helping Local Economy: Keeps money within the state, boosting local employment.
Digital Innovation: Easy, app-based experience in line with modern aggregator guidelines.
Features of Chhava Ride App
The platform will include passenger and driver mobile applications, vehicle verification, fare management, online payments, GPS-based tracking, complaint help, customer support, and a central command and control centre for real-time monitoring. It will be developed in line with the central and Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Aggregator Policy.
- Multi-modal Booking: Book buses, autos, taxis, and e-buses from one app.
- State-Run and Clear: Managed by MSRTC, following central and state aggregator policy.
- Interest-Free Loans for Youth: Special loans at 10% interest, plus 11% subsidy, making them interest-free.
- Wide Network: Supported by the entire MSRTC infrastructure.
- Fair to Drivers: Better earnings for local drivers, no exploitation.
- Easy Digital Payments: Supports UPI, card, and other digital payments.
- Complaint Help: Fast support and dispute resolution, managed by government officials.
- Secure and Safe: Government-regulated, strict background checks for drivers.
Government Support for Local Youth: Loan and Subsidy Scheme
One of the biggest advantages of this scheme is the support for Marathi youth:
- Mumbai Bank will provide loans at a 10% interest rate to unemployed youth for purchasing vehicles which they will use for providing riding services through this app.
- Additional 11% subsidy will be provided by government agencies (Annasaheb Economic Development Corporation, OBC Corporation, etc.), making loans effectively interest-free.
- Special push for local entrepreneurship and women drivers.
Also read: Annasaheb Patil Loan Yojana
Launch Date and Coverage
Chhava Ride App is still in the development stage. After the tender process is completed and a technology partner is selected, the company will get one year to develop the platform. The app is expected to launch after this development phase, subject to final approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Deputy Chief Ministers.
In the initial phase, the app will be available in major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik, making it easy for people in these urban areas to access safe and affordable ride-booking services. After this initial launch, the government plans to expand Chhava Ride across the entire state in a phased manner, so that even people in smaller towns and rural areas can benefit from this scheme.
The app's name, "Chhava Ride," was chosen after careful discussion and reflects Maharashtra's rich heritage and youth power. With these preparations in place, Maharashtra is set to become one of the first states in India to launch its own government-backed ride-booking platform that challenges private operators and puts public welfare at the center.
Also read: Maharashtra Government Schemes List