The long-running dispute between bike taxi operators and the Karnataka Transport Department is approaching a decisive moment, with the High Court set to pronounce its view on September 22. The ruling will determine whether bike taxi services can legally operate across the state.
The court has directed the state government to present its stance on the matter. In response, the government has constituted a high-level committee to examine the advantages and drawbacks of bike taxi operations. The committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Transport Department, comprises 11 senior officials.
Members include the Commissioner of the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT), Commissioner of the Labour Department, Commissioner of Transport and Road Safety, Managing Director of BMTC, Joint Commissioners of Bengaluru City Police (Traffic and Law & Order), senior representatives from BMRCL and the Bruhat Bengaluru Authority, a senior officer from the State Pollution Control Board, and the Commissioner and Secretary of the Transport Department.
This panel has been tasked with conducting a detailed study on the economic, social, and environmental implications of bike taxi services. Their report will form the basis of the government’s submission to the High Court.
According to estimates, around 1.2 lakh private bike riders currently operate informally as bike taxis in Bengaluru, despite regulatory uncertainty. Proponents argue the service offers affordable and quick last-mile connectivity, while critics raise safety, licensing, and congestion concerns. The High Court’s verdict and the government’s policy response are expected to shape the future of urban mobility in Bengaluru and potentially across Karnataka.