Bengaluru Bike Taxi Riders Rally in Thousands, Demand an End to the Controversial Ban

Image Source: Hindustan Times

On June 20, 2025, a remarkable display of solidarity unfolded in Bengaluru as over 5,000 bike taxi riders took to the streets, calling on the Karnataka government to lift the recent ban on bike taxi services. This march, organized by the Namma Bike Taxi Association, was a heartfelt plea for legal recognition and a clear regulatory framework rather than an outright prohibition.

Key Highlights:

The ban on bike taxis, which took effect on June 16, has left countless gig workers without a source of income and commuters grappling with last-mile connectivity issues.
Riders had a meeting with Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Dasarahalli MLA S Muniraju, where they presented a formal petition demanding legal recognition and regulation.
Despite numerous appeals to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other officials, the government has yet to respond, even after the passage of the Gig Worker Welfare Bill.
Riders are facing harassment and intimidation from auto-rickshaw unions, and their requests for protest permissions have been denied due to political pressure.
The ban has resulted in increased auto fares and worsening traffic conditions, impacting daily commuters throughout the city. • While the Central Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines recognize bike taxis as legitimate, Karnataka has not yet established corresponding state regulations, leaving the industry in a state of uncertainty.

Outlook:

The bike taxi community remains optimistic that ongoing protests and open dialogue will encourage the government to rethink the ban and create a balanced policy that safeguards both workers and commuters in Bengaluru’s ever-evolving transportation landscape.

Source: Hindustan Times, India Today, Moneycontrol, Bangalore Mirror