Bike taxis back on aggregator platforms, HC gives state one month’s time to frame policy

BENGALURU: A month after bike taxi services were put on hold in the state by the High Court of Karnataka, Rapido and Uber have restarted the service with both aggregator platforms showing availability of bookings.

On June 16, the high court had temporarily halted operation of bike taxis in the state. It has now given the goverment one month’s time to come up with a policy decision. On Wednesday, while hearing the matter, the high court questioned the government whether it was possible to regulate bike taxis rather than banning them.

On Thursday, Bangalore Central BJP MP P C Mohan posted on X saying, “Karnataka HC gives govt 1 month to frame bike taxi policy, citing ‘lives at stake’. Court warns blanket ban on legitimate trade is unconstitutional. Last-mile connectivity cannot be sacrificed. Govt must act responsibly, regulate, not prohibit, for public safety + urban mobility”.

Karnataka HC gives govt 1 month to frame bike taxi policy, citing ‘lives at stake’. Court warns blanket ban on legitimate trade is unconstitutional. Last-mile connectivity cannot be sacrificed. Govt must act responsibly, regulate, not prohibit, for public safety + urban mobility.

— P C Mohan (@PCMohanMP) August 21, 2025

Further, he said, “Karnataka HC’s intervention is a welcome move. Bike taxis are crucial for affordable last-mile connectivity in Bengaluru. Govt must replace blanket bans with strict safety norms, licensing and regulation, balancing public safety, innovation, livelihoods and commuter convenience”.

Bike taxis are already permitted in 13 state across the country.