Hyderabad’s traffic police took strict action against Uber Shuttle buses for operating without proper permits. In a special operation on March 18, 2025, the Madhapur traffic police issued challans to over 40 buses and seized 11 for not following transport rules.
According to Madhapur DCP (Traffic) T. Sai Manohar, many of these buses were using permits meant for wedding parties or sightseeing instead of the required stage carriage permits. He also mentioned that several buses lacked important documents like registration, insurance, and fitness certificates.
A stage carriage permit, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, is necessary for buses that pick up and drop off passengers for separate fares along fixed routes. Operating without this permit is illegal and can lead to serious consequences for both Uber and vehicle owners.
Officials reported that Uber Shuttle had grown quickly in Hyderabad, with around 800 buses running in the city. In Gachibowli, nearly one out of every four or five buses was found to be part of Uber Shuttle. During the checks, more than 40 buses were caught within an hour, and fines between ₹1,000 and ₹2,000 were issued for various violations.
This action comes just weeks after Uber introduced its ‘Shuttle’ service in Hyderabad as a pilot project. The service, which had already been successful in Delhi and Kolkata, aimed to reduce private vehicle congestion by connecting residential areas to the IT corridor in Hitec City.
However, traffic authorities clarified that Uber is only allowed to run contract carriage services, which transport passengers directly between two points without stopping in between. Hyderabad Joint Commissioner (Traffic) D. Joel Davis explained that only the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) can operate stage carriage buses in the state.
Cyberabad Commissioner Avinash Mohanty stated that enforcement drives would continue, and all violations would be reported to the State Transport Department. He also mentioned that many of these shuttle buses were found blocking traffic due to illegal parking outside IT parks. Officials are considering a discussion with Uber’s management to resolve these issues.
Meanwhile, some bus owners who were fined have approached the police for clarification and possible relief. A meeting with the Hyderabad Joint Commissioner for traffic is expected soon to discuss their concerns.
