A recent High Court order to stop bike taxi services in Karnataka has left lakhs of drivers confused and concerned about their future. The ban has directly affected both drivers and commuters, many of whom have relied on these services for years.

“Over six lakh drivers hit by the Ban”

According to Adhinarayana, president of the Bike Taxi Welfare Association in Bengaluru, the sudden halt has had a massive impact.

“This decision has hit at least six lakh bike taxi drivers in the state. Since Monday, around 300 drivers have been visiting our office in HSR Layout daily, seeking help and advice. We are constantly in touch with them, trying to find a way forward. Shifting to other daily wage jobs will mean we will earn less than before,” he said.

The association had earlier approached Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy in hopes of a resolution, but no progress has been made so far.

“The government has the power to frame rules, but has not acted. This has affected both drivers and commuters who relied on us,” Adhinarayana added.

For many drivers, bike taxis were not just a job, but their main source of income.

Shivananda, who hails from Belagavi and moved to Bengaluru more than a decade ago, began working as a bike taxi driver in 2018.

“I was in a company for two years before that, earning Rs 12,000 a month, which was insufficient. I then worked as a food delivery executive for eight months, but the long hours and erratic pay of around Rs 800 daily were not working for me,” he shared.

As a bike taxi driver, he said, he was earning almost double.

Vinayaka, another driver, is now stuck at home and struggling financially.

“I have been sitting at home, desperately hoping something changes. I cannot work elsewhere as I failed my SSLC. I have to pay my vehicle's EMI, send money home, pay rent as well, but I am unable to manage now,” he said.

With the government yet to take action or offer an alternative solution, thousands of drivers are left in limbo. 


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