Commuters raise concern over non-Karnataka bikes operating as taxis amid regulatory vacuum

As the Karnataka Transport Department is yet to frame separate guidelines for bike-taxi operations, commuters in Bengaluru have expressed growing concern over the increasing number of non-Karnataka registered two-wheelers operating through ride-hailing applications.

Many fear that the absence of a clear regulatory framework could pose safety risks and complicate accountability in the event of accidents or legal disputes.

This has raised concerns even as bike taxis have emerged as a popular mode of transport in Bengaluru, offering commuters a cost-effective and time-saving alternative amid the city’s notorious traffic congestion.

“Bike taxis help save both time and money, especially for daily commuters. But these days, I have noticed many bikes with non-Karnataka registrations operating on ride-hailing apps. It makes me wonder whether this is permitted under the law. I do not have any objection to the service itself, but if an accident or any untoward incident occurs, it may become difficult to determine accountability and handle legal procedures involving vehicles registered outside Karnataka,” said Vijaykrishna R., a commuter from Whitefield who regularly uses bike-taxi services.

‘Expedite framing regulations’

Another commuter urged the Transport Department to expedite the formulation of regulations for the sector. “As far as I know, non-Karnataka commercial vehicles such as cabs cannot operate in the city without the required permits. If that is the case, there should be clarity on how bike taxis with registrations from other States are functioning. Bike taxis provide affordable transport and significantly improve first- and last-mile connectivity. However, safety and legal accountability should not be compromised. The government must bring in clear guidelines to ensure commuter safety,” Mayank Roy, a commuter from Koramangala said.

The bike-taxi services have witnessed a turbulent regulatory journey in Karnataka. Earlier, the Karnataka High Court struck down the State government’s blanket ban on bike taxis and directed authorities to formulate a licensing framework for their operation. However, the State government has continued its legal challenge, resulting in ongoing uncertainty for both operators and commuters.

The Transport Department officials acknowledged the lack of specific regulations governing bike-taxi operations. “At present, there are no separate guidelines for bike taxis. Therefore, it is difficult for us to comment on issues relating to their operation,” a senior official said.

Another department official said that the bike-taxi issue was discussed during a recent review meeting chaired by Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh.

Meanwhile, The Hindu contacted several ride-hailing platforms regarding the operation of non-Karnataka registered bikes on their platforms. However, the companies declined to comment on the issue.