Karnataka HC Ruling Paves Way for Bike Taxis to Hit India's Roads Again
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{ "title": "Karnataka HC Ruling Paves Way for Bike Taxis to Hit India's Roads Again", "article": "In a major boost to ride-hailing services, the Karnataka High Court has ruled that bike taxis are a legitimate mode of passenger transport in the state. Ride-sharing giants Uber and Rapido have welcomed the decision, citing its potential to provide affordable and efficient commuting options for residents and create jobs for thousands of people. The court's ruling comes as a relief for bike taxi operators, who had faced challenges in getting formal recognition. According to industry experts, the lack of regulation had led to a negative public perception of the service providers. However, the state transport department has expressed caution, with Minister Ramalinga Reddy announcing that they will review the judgment before responding to it. The court has directed the state to register motorcycles as transport vehicles and issue contract carriage permits under the Motor Vehicles Act. Bike taxi operations in Karnataka were suspended in June 2025. While the exact timeline for restarting services is unclear, experts believe that the court's ruling will pave the way for a more formalized and regulated bike taxi ecosystem. Industry stakeholders are optimistic about the development, with Uber and Rapido committing to work closely with the state government to optimize the mobility ecosystem. For users like Arjun Patel, who rely on bike taxis for daily commutes, the ruling is a welcome change. \"If bike taxis are here to stay, then training, insurance, and clear identification shouldn't be optional. That's how trust is built,\" he said."
