New Delhi, Aug. 24 -- Commuters across Mumbai are bearing the brunt of the Maharashtra government's Marathi language requirement for autorickshaw, taxi and cab drivers, with several drivers staying off the roads amid an ongoing crackdown, while others have reportedly increased fares.

The Maharashtra Transport Department has stepped up checks to ensure that autorickshaw and taxi drivers have basic proficiency in Marathi. Over the past week, Regional Transport Office (RTO) teams have been conducting inspections near railway stations, shopping malls and major taxi stands.

Drivers who failed to communicate in Marathi during the checks were served show-cause notices.

On Friday, the second day of the drive, RTOs issued notices to 1,499 non-M...