Traffic bottlenecks in Bengaluru have escalated by nearly 22 percentage points following the Karnataka government’s statewide prohibition on bike taxis, Moneycontrol reported.
Implemented on June 16, the restriction has raised serious concerns among gig workers and daily commuters. According to location analytics firm TomTom, the city witnessed a notable spike in congestion, particularly during peak hours. At 7 p.m.—one of Bengaluru’s busiest timeframes—traffic rose dramatically. On the first day of the ban, congestion hit 77%, up from the regular 59%. By June 18, it had peaked at 83%, a startling 22-point surge over the average.
The ban was introduced to clamp down on unlicensed and unregulated two-wheeler taxi services. However, it has unintentionally disrupted mobility for thousands who relied on affordable bike rides. Many commuters have shifted to autos or private vehicles, exacerbating an already overloaded road network.
To add to the frustration, auto rickshaw drivers have reportedly increased fares and are frequently declining rides, particularly during high-demand periods. This has left the public grappling with higher costs and reduced accessibility.
Meanwhile, affected gig workers have mobilized in protest. Over 100 riders, under the Namma Bike Taxi Association, met with Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and MLA S. Muniraju. They submitted a petition urging legalization and a consistent regulatory framework for bike taxis. Their appeal follows unanswered letters to key leaders like Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Congress President Kharge.
The association warned that without swift action, both urban employment and last-mile commute options in Karnataka could face irreversible damage.