In traffic-filled city like Bengaluru, where bike taxi service was a source of relief for people, now this service is going to be completely closed there. The Karnataka High Court has rejected the petition of Ola, Uber and Rapido. Learn about the case in detail.
High court decision
Cab aggregator companies Ola, Uber and Rapido have suffered a major setback in Karnataka. The High Court has rejected the demand for these companies to lift the ban on bike taxi services. Due to this decision, bike taxi services will be completely closed in the state from 16 June 2025.
What is the whole matter?
Companies like Ola, Uber India and Rapido filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court demanding that the bike taxi be given legal recognition and vehicles with yellow number plates should be allowed to register as transport vehicles.
However, the court refused to give interim relief on this. Justice BM Shyam Prasad’s bench clearly stated that bike taxi service cannot be considered valid without rules and guidelines.
Rules have to be made in three months
The High Court has directed the state government to prepare clear guidelines and rules for bike taxi services under the Motor Vehicles Act within three months.
Until this rule is made, it will be illegal to drive a bike taxi and no company will be allowed.
Incidents so far
Earlier, in April 2025, the court gave companies interim permission to operate bike taxi services by 15 June 2025.
Now the court has refused to carry forward this relief. Due to this, from Monday, 16 June 2025, bikes of companies like Ola, Uber and Rapido will be closed in the entire state.
Electric bike taxi scheme also closed
Significantly, the Karnataka government launched an electric bike taxi scheme in 2021. Its purpose was to reduce pollution in cities and reduce traffic problems.
In March 2024, the government stopped the scheme due to lack of security and rules. Since then, the bike was confused about taxi services.
Passengers will suffer big loss
Bike taxi service in traffic-filled city like Bengaluru was proving to be very helpful for the people.
- This service was economical.
- Even in traffic jam, the bike could be reached by a bike taxi early to the destination.
- This service was especially popular among middle class and students.
Now, due to the closure of these services, passengers will have to resort to expensive taxis and autos. Due to this, the expenses of everyday journey will increase.
Drivers also affect the earnings
The biggest impact of this decision will be on thousands of gig workers and drivers who were running livelihood with these services.
- Many drivers bought a bike with a loan.
- Now it can be difficult to repay EMI.
- Suddenly the crisis of unemployment has arisen.
- If the government does not bring any clear policy in three months, it will not be easy for these drivers to find another employment option.
Can service start again?
- The High Court has given the government three months time so that rules can be made for bike taxi services.
- If the government makes guidelines during this period and the bike taxi gets legitimate recognition, then this service can be resumed in future.
- But currently passengers and drivers will have to wait for three months.
Big challenge before the state government…
- Preparation of rules for safe and systematic bike taxi service.
- Take care of the interests of both drivers and passengers.
- To solve issues like traffic, security and insurance.
- If the government works rapidly in this direction, bike taxi services can return to the streets again.
Gig workers shock in earnings
- This decision of the Karnataka High Court is a major setback for the state’s automobile sector. While students and middle classes used to get cheap and fast service, it was a source of earning for Gig workers.
- Now it is the responsibility of the government to make rules as soon as possible so that this service can be resumed. Currently, passengers will have to depend on expensive taxis and autos for some time.
