Bengaluru: Bike taxi services have made a comeback in the city after nearly two months of being banned, sparking a fresh tussle between ride-hailing firms and the Karnataka government. The resumption follows observations by the Karnataka High Court, which questioned the blanket ban imposed on June 16.
Ride-hailing companies Rapido, Uber and Ola restarted their bike taxi operations on Thursday, much to the relief of commuters and drivers who rely on the service for their livelihoods. However, the state government has warned that the move amounts to a violation of court orders.
High Court observations trigger resumption
The controversy dates back to June 16, when a single-judge bench barred bike taxi services across Karnataka. The state government subsequently launched a major crackdown, imposing penalties and seizing vehicles through the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
Aggregator companies challenged the decision and filed writ appeals. On August 20, a division bench of the Karnataka High Court adjourned the hearing on these appeals until September 22. While doing so, the bench observed that bike taxis operate legally in several other Indian states and urged the government to take the issue seriously, pointing out that the livelihoods of lakhs of people were at stake.
Following these oral observations, aggregators moved quickly to restart services, interpreting the court’s stance as an indirect relief.
Government calls resumption a “violation”
Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has criticised the move by the ride-hailing companies, insisting that the High Court had not permitted the resumption of bike taxis.
“The High Court only adjourned the hearing and directed the state to clarify its policy framework, noting that bike taxis are operational in many states. It did not permit aggregators to resume services. I will consult the Advocate General and seek his opinion,” Reddy told Times of India.
The government maintains that aggregators have misinterpreted the court’s remarks and insists that bike taxis continue to be illegal in Karnataka until a clear policy decision is taken.
Ride-hailing firms relaunch with offers
Despite the government’s warning, aggregators wasted no time in returning to the market. Rapido was the first to relaunch operations early Thursday morning, followed by Uber and later Ola.
To attract riders, Rapido branded its bike taxis as an “affordable and quick” commuting option and launched promotional campaigns within its app. Both Rapido and Uber rolled out discounts to lure back customers, signalling their determination to retain market share in Bengaluru.
Livelihoods and mobility at stake
Bike taxis have long been a contentious issue in Karnataka, where regulators argue that they lack legal recognition, while companies highlight their affordability and convenience. For thousands of riders, bike taxis provide a crucial source of income, and for commuters, they offer an economical and faster option in the city’s traffic-heavy routes.
The High Court’s adjournment and remarks have reignited the debate, pushing the state government to expedite a policy decision. With the next hearing scheduled for September 22, the future of bike taxi services in Karnataka remains uncertain.
Conclusion
For now, bike taxi services are back on Bengaluru’s streets, but their legal standing is unclear. While commuters and drivers welcome the return, the state government’s strong opposition sets the stage for a legal and policy showdown in the coming weeks. The final word will rest with the High Court, which is expected to take up the matter in September.