In a significant relief to thousands of riders and daily commuters, the Karnataka High Court on Friday lifted the ban on bike-taxi services in the state, allowing operations to resume with immediate effect. The decision brings back a popular and affordable mode of last-mile transport, especially in urban centres like Bengaluru.
The court observed that bike-taxis play an important role in urban mobility and provide livelihood opportunities to a large number of youth. It held that an outright ban was not justified while the state frames appropriate regulations for such services.
The suspension of bike-taxi operations had affected several app-based aggregators and left thousands of riders without income, triggering protests and legal challenges. Commuters had also raised concerns over the lack of affordable and flexible transport options following the ban.
Welcoming the order, rider associations and mobility platforms termed it a “major boost” to employment and ease of travel. They urged the state government to expedite the formulation of clear rules to ensure safety, accountability and smooth functioning of bike-taxi services.
The state government informed the court that it would work towards establishing a regulatory framework to govern bike-taxis, balancing commuter convenience with road safety norms.
With the High Court’s ruling, bike-taxis are expected to return to city roads, easing traffic pressure and restoring livelihoods dependent on the sector.
