India, Aug. 13 -- The Union road transport and highways ministry has directed ride-hailing aggregators to remove any tipping prompts or interface features shown before a ride is completed, saying such mechanisms could improperly influence passengers' decisions and create an impression that paying extra could improve service.

"Tipping shall be entirely voluntary and shall be offered only after completion of the journey," said the ministry. It cited Clause 14.15 of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, and said a tipping option can be provided only after completion of the journey and cannot be available at booking, before commencement or during the ride.

The directive, issued on Tuesday, came after the ministry's attention was dr...