Illegal motorcycle taxi services are rapidly taking over as pilgrims’ preferred mode of transportation as the Maha Kumbh Mela attracts millions to Prayagraj. Motorcycles are now the main form of transportation for tourists since all other vehicles, with the exception of two-wheelers, are prohibited from accessing the city and the Kumbh region.
The Growing Popularity Of These Illegal Motorcycle Services
Two motorcycle organisations are currently in operation: one transports tourists from parking lots on the outskirts of the city to the Kumbh gates, while the other transports pilgrims inside the Kumbh region, charging for rides to the Sangam Nose and ghats.
There are no set rates or records because the activity is illegal, thus motorbike riders are free to set their own prices. The number of motorbike riders keeps increasing every day without any oversight from the government or police. Furthermore, pilgrims are continuing to use this unapproved service without complaining because they are benefitting from it. Motorcycles frequently transport more pilgrims than is permitted by law, with two passengers on every journey. The cost of each pilgrim’s ride ranges from ₹500 to ₹1,500.
According to the police, since the arrangement benefits both pilgrims and motorbike riders, no complaints are made and disagreements are resolved between them. According to sources, these motorbike riders may easily avoid detection because most of the police force is busy working to control crowds.
Who Are These Bikers?
The majority of these bikers, who identify as students, are locals, many of whom reside on the city’s outskirts. Others come from nearby districts, taking advantage of the chance to make money. It’s interesting to note that nobody verifies the motorbike riders’ identities before employing them to get to the Kumbh. These motorcycles are constantly on the road. They are frequently observed transporting triple riders, haggling fares, and breaking traffic laws.
They first provided rides to pilgrims as they commuted, but as the number of people increased and donations came in, they started to charge for the service. Fares fluctuate based on the increasing number of pilgrims, as there are no set prices.
When a police officer tries to stop a motorcycle that is making money, the riders typically argue that they are providing a free service to aid pilgrims. In response, the pillion riders frequently embrace this position and do not raise any objections.
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