For several commuting, especially those who are dependent on public transport, taxis on the bike provided a cheaper solution for the last mile Photo Credit: File Photos
Starting in June 16, a bike -based operation is expected to stop through Karnataka, after the refusal of the Karnataka High Court to remain in an earlier order to suspend such services unless the state introduces regulatory standards under the 1988 motor vehicles.
The divisional bench of the Supreme Court 13. June confirmed the order of a single judge of 2 April, who directed all taxi services for bicycles to terminate operations within six weeks. Although the extension was awarded until June 15, the term now indicates the end of cycling in the state if the regulatory framework is not introduced.
The Head of the Karnataka Department of Transport confirmed that he is preparing to introduce the court order and does not allow the continuation of the cycling taxi of services after the set deadline. However, as far as the regulatory framework is concerned, the officer refused to express himself.
This step is expected to affect thousands of riders and commuting. A powerful worker from the front platform for the taxi aggregator, spoke on the condition of anonymity, said more than six individuals in Karnataka depend on the taxi concerts for their livelihood. “Most of them earn around 35,000 GBP a month, and this ban could move many families into financial distress,” the clerk said.
The impact of a ban
The impact of the ban is double: although it disrupts the lives of concert workers, it also leaves commuting stuck. For several commuting, especially those who are dependent on public transport, taxis on the bike provided a cheaper solution to the last mile. The commuters said that the services were not only cheaper but also faster, which helps visitors to office and students with ease to go through urban traffic.
Resident Whitfield and the daily commuting Rohan Imdapura said: “Taxis on the bike were a rescuer for people like me. Getting from home to the metro station was barely 30-20 GBP.
However, the court’s decision was welcomed by the author’s autorickshaw drivers who were at Loggerheads with a taxi operator on the bike over what they describe as unfair competition. Rudramurty, General Secretary of the Union of Authorickshaw drivers, said: “This judgment is a huge relief. Taxis on the bicycle runs without clear regulations that have influenced our earnings and pose a security risk for commuting.
Over the past few years, the tension has expanded between car drivers and bike riders, and sometimes exploded into confrontations on the streets.
Uncertain future
Meanwhile, representatives of the cycling cycling said they left thousands in limb. Adi Narayana, President of the Social Security Association for cyclists, said that many riders are approaching the authorities of the association and seeking the clarity of their future. “Most of our captains have an issue to pay, families who feed on and rent. It is not just a loss of employment, but a loss of ability to survive. Will the government offer any support?” he asked.
Rapido, one of the leading platforms of operating bikes in the State, responded to the High Court’s decision by confirming that it would be in accordance with the Directive on 16 June. While the company explained that it was not a party of the current legal case, it recognized the situation and stated that it continued to undertake to act as a responsible participant in the state’s ecosystem.
“It is a difficult period for our captains who depend on us on their main source of income. They played a key role in allowing affordable transport to the last mile for millions across Karnataka,” Rapido spokesman said.
The company stated that it actively deals with the Karnataka transport department to develop a regulatory framework that is not only legal but also viable for all participating parties. He stressed that the safety of commuters and the well -being of concert workers will continue to be the core of his approach.
“We remain optimistic that the ongoing discussion with the authorities will lead to a balanced political framework, as in other countries and trade unions,” the spokesman added.
Published – June 15, 2025 20:17
