MUMBAI NEWS: For cab and auto drivers navigating Mumbai and Pune, knowing a few practical Marathi phrases could prove useful, particularly as the state steps up enforcement of Marathi language requirements for drivers. From asking about one-way roads and finding parking to speaking with traffic police, paying tolls and dealing with a punctured tyre, these 10 everyday exchanges can help drivers communicate on the road. Here is a quick Marathi crash course for common situations drivers may encounter.

1. Checking If A Road Is One-Way
You: Is this road a one-way?
Marathi: Ha rasta one-way aahe ka?
Pedestrian: No, you can go. / Yes, do not go.
Marathi: Nahi, jaaoo shakta. / Ho, jaaoo naka.

2. Asking For A Landmark Or Highway Entry
You: Where is the highway entry from here?
Marathi: Yethunhighway cha rasta kuthe aahe?
Local: Go straight and take a left.
Marathi: Saral jaa ani daaveekade vala.

3. Dealing With A No-Parking Situation
Police: You cannot park your car here.
Marathi: Ithe gadi laavta yenar nahi.
You: Where is the authorised parking area?
Marathi: Authorised parking kuthe aahe?

4. Paying At A Toll Booth
Operator: Sixty rupees.
Marathi: Saath rupaye.
You: Is FASTag working? / Take cash.
Marathi: FASTag chaltoy ka? /Cash ghya.

5. Getting Fuel At A Petrol Pump
You: Put Rs 1,000 worth of petrol/diesel.
Marathi: Eka hajaarachapetrol/diesel taka.
Attendant: Zero check please.
Marathi: Zero check kara.

6. Asking Someone To Clear The Way
You: Please move your vehicle a little forward.
Marathi: Krupaya tumchi gadi thodi pudhe ghya.
Other person: Yes, just a minute.
Marathi: Ho, ekach minute.

7. Asking For A Mechanic Or Puncture Shop
You: My car tyre is punctured. Is there a shop nearby?
Marathi: Majhi gadi puncture jhali aahe. Javal dukan aahe ka?
Shopkeeper: Yes, it is right around the corner.
Marathi: Ho, agdi kopryavar aahe.

8. Clarifying A Traffic Violation
Police: You broke the signal.
Marathi: Tumhisignal todla.
You: Sorry, sir. The yellow light changed too quickly.
Marathi: Mafi aso saheb, pivla light khup laukar badalla.

9. Asking For A Toll-Free Alternative Route
You: Is there a route without toll?
Marathi: Toll naselela konta rasta aahe ka?
Local: Yes, but there is a lot of traffic.
Marathi: Ho, pan tithe khuptraffic aahe.

10. Confirming The Distance To Your Destination
You: How far is the airport from here?
Marathi: Yethun vimantal kiti laamb aahe?
Passerby: It will take 20 minutes.
Marathi: Veess minute laagteel.

A Handy Marathi Vocabulary For Drivers
For drivers trying to build confidence beyond these 10 exchanges, a few words and phrases can go a long way on Mumbai and Pune roads.
Rasta – road
Gadi – vehicle/car
Kuthe – where
Krupaya – please
Pudhe – ahead/forward
Daaveekade – to the left
Laamb – far
Javal – nearby
Nahi – no/not
Ho – yes

Whether it is asking for directions, responding to a traffic official or simply finding a nearby mechanic, a little Marathi can make everyday conversations on the road easier.