Autorickshaw drivers’ unions set Feb 23 deadline for state to approach SC over bike taxis

BENGALURU: The battle between the government and autorickshaw unions is heating up after the High Court of Karnataka allowed bike taxis to operate. The autorickshaw unions are now pressuring the state government to appeal against the order in the Supreme Court and set a deadline of February 23 to do so.

If the government fails to appeal, the unions have threatened to take to the streets and protest, writing anti-government slogans on every autorickshaw. The unions believe that if the government appeals, they can stall the implementation of bike taxi regulations until the Supreme Court hears the case.

The High Court had ordered the government to frame regulations for bike taxis by February 23, and the unions are keen on stopping this from happening. The government is under pressure to file an appeal, and the situation is getting intense.

“Because of the two-wheelers, more accidents are being caused. Two-wheelers are involved in 41 per cent of accidents whereas autorickshaws are involved in only 4 per cent of road accidents. Also, sharing helmets can cause cancer due to skin allergies. There are various other issues and the government should take this issue seriously. We are asking the Chief Minister not to allow bike taxis, otherwise Siddaramaiah will himself be responsible for the consequences”, said Nataraj Sharma of the transport workers’ association.