In a significant development for urban mobility, the Karnataka High Court has upheld a state government directive mandating the cessation of bike taxi services, including those operated by major aggregators like Rapido, Ola, and Uber. This ruling, effective from June 16, 2025, has brought an abrupt halt to bike taxi operations across the state, impacting thousands of commuters and gig workers.
🚫 Legal Action and Government Directive
The Karnataka High Court’s decision followed a directive from the state government, which had previously ordered bike taxi operators to halt services. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy emphasized that failure to comply would result in strict enforcement actions. The government maintains that using privately registered two-wheelers for commercial purposes is illegal, a stance it has upheld throughout ongoing legal proceedings
📉 Industry Response and Impact
Rapido, a prominent player in the bike taxi segment, announced the suspension of its services in Karnataka in compliance with the court’s order. The company expressed its commitment to abiding by the directive while highlighting the adverse effects on its operations and the livelihoods of its riders .
Similarly, Ola and Uber have ceased their bike taxi services in the state. Users attempting to book bike rides through these platforms are now redirected to alternative services or informed of the unavailability of bike taxis in Karnataka.
💼 Gig Workers and Public Sentiment
The ban has sparked widespread protests from gig workers who rely on bike taxi services for their livelihoods. Many riders have expressed concerns over the sudden loss of income, with some urging political leaders to intervene and seek a reversal of the ban
Public sentiment has also turned against the ban, with commuters voicing frustrations over the loss of an affordable and convenient mode of transportation. The hashtag #KarnatakaWantsBikeTaxis has gained traction on social media platforms, reflecting the widespread discontent among the public .
⚖️ Legal and Regulatory Context
The Karnataka High Court’s decision aligns with the state’s position that bike taxi services operate in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act. The court had previously granted aggregators six weeks to cease operations, with the final deadline expiring on June 15, 2025 .
The government’s stance has been further reinforced by the withdrawal of the Electric Bike Taxi Scheme in 2024, citing safety concerns and misuse of the scheme by operators
🔄 Looking Ahead
As the ban takes effect, stakeholders from various sectors, including the technology and transportation industries, are calling for a structured policy framework to regulate bike taxi services. Advocacy groups like Nasscom have urged the government to develop clear guidelines that balance safety, fairness, and innovation in urban mobility
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions between the government, industry players, and worker associations. The outcome of these deliberations will likely shape the future of bike taxi services in Karnataka and potentially set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues.
