Maharashtra Government is all set to launch its own official ride-booking mobile app called Chhava Ride, aiming to provide affordable, safe, and reliable transport to people across the state. This new initiative is led by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) under the guidance of Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman, Mr. Pratap Sarnaik.
What is Chhava Ride App?
Chhava Ride is a new mobile app which is about to be launched by the Maharashtra government for booking various public transport modes such as buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and e-buses. The app will work just like popular private ride-hailing apps but with added benefits:
- Fair pricing: No surge pricing or hidden charges.
- Trustworthy drivers: Preference for local, unemployed Marathi youth.
- Reliable service: Backed by MSRTC’s strong infrastructure and workforce.
- Wide coverage: Service to be first available in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, and later, all over Maharashtra.
A New Era in Maharashtra’s Public Transport
A new chapter in Maharashtra’s public transportation is about to begin. Unlike private cab services, this app will be run by the Maharashtra government through MSRTC. It promises affordable fares, reliable service, safety, and empowerment of 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 ensuring transport for everyone.
Also read: Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana
Download Link for Chhava Ride App
As the app is about to be launched, the state government will make the app available on the official google play store for Android devices as well as apple app store for iOS devices.
You can open the respective app store in your phone, type “Chhava Ride” in the search box and, if the app is available, you can download it from there.
However, we will also update the direct links to download Chhava Ride App after it is launched.
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 Chhava Ride App to book & track new rides.
- Download the Chhava Ride App from Play Store or App Store (after official launch).
- Register using your mobile number and complete KYC.
- Search, enter or select your pickup and drop location on the map.
- Choose your preferred mode: Bus, Taxi, Auto, or E-Bus.
- View estimated fare and available drivers/vehicles.
- Confirm your booking and track your ride live.
- Pay digitally (various payment modes supported).
- Rate your ride and give feedback.
Main Objectives and Benefits
Affordable Rides: No overcharging, transparent fare system set by the government.
Job Creation: Special loan and subsidy schemes to help Marathi youth become drivers/vehicle owners.
Women and Children’s Safety: Strict government oversight for safer travel.
Empowering Local Economy: Keeps money within the state, boosting local employment.
Digital Innovation: Seamless, app-based experience in line with modern aggregator guidelines.
Features of Chhava Ride App
- Multi-modal Booking: Book buses, autos, taxis, and e-buses from one app.
- State-Run & Transparent: Managed by MSRTC, following central/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.
- Grievance Redressal: Fast support and dispute resolution, managed by government officials.
- Secure & 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 be using for providing riding services using 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 expected to launch very soon, as the final approval from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers is currently pending. Once these approvals are in place, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will officially roll out the app.
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 initiative.
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.