The Karnataka government has enforced a statewide suspension of bike-taxi operations run by Rapido, Ola, and Uber, following a High Court directive. The decision mandates that all such services be shut down immediately, with the government warning of strict action against companies that do not comply.
This development comes after the Karnataka High Court upheld an earlier ruling that declared bike-taxi services, operated using private two-wheelers, as illegal under existing laws. The court had previously given these companies a six-week window to stop operations, which was extended to June 15. With no policy amendments or approvals in place, the court declined to offer further relief, triggering the current ban.
Rapido has already confirmed the suspension of its services in the state and has paused bike-taxi bookings on its platform. Meanwhile, Ola and Uber were reportedly still running bike-taxi services as of Monday, creating confusion among commuters and authorities alike.
The sudden halt has deeply impacted daily commuters in cities like Bengaluru, where traffic congestion and high last-mile costs make bike-taxis a popular choice. For many, especially students and workers, bike-taxis offered an affordable alternative to autos and cabs. With the ban in place, prices for auto-rickshaw rides have surged, leaving consumers with fewer economical options.
For gig workers, the suspension has dealt a serious financial blow. Bike-taxi drivers, who often rely on the platform as their main source of income, now face sudden unemployment. Many drivers reportedly earned between INR 25,000 to 35,000 per month, and over 75% used the service as a primary livelihood.
This issue has also stirred debates over regulatory clarity. While safety and legality have been concerns, many believe the absence of a formal policy is the core problem. Previous plans to allow electric bike-taxi pilots were withdrawn last year due to similar concerns. The state’s position continues to favour existing transport unions, particularly auto-rickshaw operators who have long opposed the rise of app-based bike-taxis.
The bike-taxi operators have called for a clear regulatory framework that acknowledges the growing role of such mobility solutions, especially in urban transport. Some have also reached out to political leaders, requesting intervention and a reconsideration of the ban.
As Karnataka pushes forward with enforcement, the government is yet to announce if it will consider revising laws to accommodate bike-taxi services in the future. For now, both riders and operators remain in limbo, with the ban marking a significant moment in India’s evolving urban mobility landscape.
Whether this move will lead to meaningful regulatory change or mark the end of bike-taxis in Karnataka remains to be seen.
