# Over 1 lakh auto, taxi drivers learn Marathi before deadline 2026-08-07T02:51:17+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Over one lakh non-Marathi auto and taxi drivers across Maharashtra have completed functional Marathi language training under the state government's Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Shikvani Abhiyan, The Times of India reports. The transport department has set an August 15 deadline for all commercial passenger vehicle drivers to obtain a Marathi proficiency certificate. Those who fail to comply will face penalties. On Wednesday, hundreds of drivers gathered at a community hall in Saki Naka, Mumbai, to take a mandatory oral test, Hindustan Times reports. The exam, lasting two to four minutes, tested basic phrases like 'Kuthe jaycha ahe?' (Where do you want to go?). Many drivers, some from Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand who have lived in Mumbai for decades, said they understand Marathi but rarely use it as passengers prefer Hindi. Transport unions and RTOs are organising free coaching sessions ahead of the deadline. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: auto drivers, Maharashtra, Marathi language, Mumbai, taxi drivers Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/mumbai-drivers-learn-marathi-before-maharashtras-august-15-test-deadline/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/mumbai-drivers-learn-marathi-before-maharashtras-august-15-test-deadline/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.