For the thousands of gig workers and commuters left hopeless in Karnataka since mid-June due to the ban on bike-taxis, we have some good news. On July 1, the Centre finally revised its Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, making it clear that personal bikes can be used for shared rides, provided states give the green light. It’s a quiet policy shift, but its impact could be massive. For Karnataka, which banned bike taxis just weeks ago, it might be the reset everyone has been waiting for.
Bike Ban In Karnataka: A Breakdown Of Events Since June 16
On June 16, Karnataka called for an outright ban on bike taxis. Taxi-booking platforms like Rapido, Uber, and Ola were forced to halt bike-taxi services after the High Court pointed out that there was no formal policy under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act. After that, RTOs got aggressive, bikes were seized, and commuters found themselves paying triple the price for rickshaws.
The public hysteria and frustration were both soaring high every day. Hunger strikes and protests were launched across Bengaluru, Mysuru, Davangere, and Mandya. These were desperate cries, as most of these riders weren’t entrepreneurs or tech wizards, but students, delivery workers, and daily wage earners on the brink of survival. Meanwhile, Bengaluru’s auto unions cheered as auto fares spiked with the absence of bike taxis from the city.
Also Read: CT Exclusive: Under The Starry Night, Van Gogh Show In Bengaluru Hit Me With A Wave Of Melancholy
The July 1 Reset: Centre Steps In
But here’s the hopeful twist: the Centre’s new guidelines have flipped the script in Karnataka. According to Deccan Herald, the Union government has said that states can allow private bikes to run as taxis, if they follow basic rules on insurance, onboarding, safety, etc.
The companies, naturally, are ready. Uber said the guidelines were “progressive” and created a clear path to fix urban mobility. Rapido, the biggest bike-taxi booking platform, called the inclusion of bike taxis in Clause 23 a “milestone moment” and said they’re ready to collaborate with states for safe, regulated operations.
Also Read: Bengaluru Restaurants Banned From Displaying Cooked Food Samples; Here’s Why
Since June 25, the Karnataka High Court has been hearing appeals from affected riders and aggregators. Lawyers argued that banning bike taxis outright violates Article 19(1)(g)—the right to earn a living. With the Centre’s July 1 nod, hope has been reignited, and the onus now lies on the state.
Cover Image Courtesy: LinkedIn/rapido-bike
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.