Bike taxi services are back in Bengaluru after being off the roads for two months. Companies like Rapido and Uber have resumed operations following the Karnataka High Court’s observation that banning them outright is not justified, as it affects the livelihood of lakhs of people.
The division bench, led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Joshi, told the state government to seriously consider a policy for bike taxis and present its stance by September 22. The court made it clear that while the government is free to regulate, it cannot completely ban a legitimate business.
This comes after the state government earlier suspended bike taxi services on June 16, citing safety and congestion concerns. The Advocate General argued that with nearly six lakh bike taxis already operating, they add to traffic problems. But the court quickly pointed out that cars and autos also cause congestion, so banning bikes alone does not make sense. The court also highlighted that bike taxis are already allowed in 13 states, where they are proving to be a cheap and efficient last-mile option.
In my view, this tussle is not just about traffic or safety. It is about balancing innovation with regulation. Bike taxis solve a real problem in cities like Bengaluru, where metro connectivity is still catching up and traffic eats away hours every day. For many riders, it is not just about earning, it is about survival. For users, it is affordability and convenience.
The state government now faces a tough choice. On one hand, there is public demand and judicial backing. On the other hand, there are pressure groups—auto unions, safety concerns, and political calculations. If the government delays making a clear policy, we may see the same cycle repeat: services starting and then getting banned again.
For now, commuters are happy, and riders are back on the roads. But the bigger question remains. Will Karnataka embrace bike taxis with proper rules, or keep pushing them into legal uncertainty? The answer will decide the future of urban mobility in the state.
