In fresh talks with Ola and Uber following driver union protests, the Maharashtra government has recommended a sharp hike in the per kilometre base fare for app-based cabs, officials said on Thursday.

If implemented, the base fare will rise by 50 per cent -- from Rs 16/km to Rs 24/km in Mumbai, and from Rs 12/km to Rs 18/km in Pune.

The move is widely seen as a government concession to union pressure, following persistent demands to align app-based fares with regulated 'kaali-peeli' meter rates, which drivers argue are too low to sustain earnings. The result: affordable cab rides could become harder to access in both cities.