Karnataka bike taxi riders write to Rahul Gandhi, seek intervention to save livelihoods amid ban

ANI June 15, 2025 303 views

Karnataka bike taxi drivers have urgently written to Rahul Gandhi seeking help after the state's ban left 1 lakh gig workers jobless. The riders, many of whom depend entirely on bike taxis for survival, highlighted how the ban disrupts affordable urban transport. They criticized the government for banning rather than regulating the service, despite safety concerns. The Association appealed for dialogue to protect both livelihoods and passenger safety.

"Bike taxis are not a side income. They are how we survive." – Namma Bike Taxi Association
Bengaluru, June 15: Members of the Namma Bike Taxi Association in Karnataka have written to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, seeking his intervention to protect the livelihoods of lakhs of gig workers across the state.

Key Points

1

Karnataka bike taxi ban risks 1 lakh gig jobs

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Riders urge Rahul Gandhi for intervention

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Ban impacts affordable urban mobility

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Association seeks regulation over prohibition

Starting Monday, bike taxis will no longer be allowed to operate in Karnataka after the High Court refused to stay the state government's ban.

"Over 1,00,000 gig workers in Bengaluru and across Karnataka are losing our right to earn and feed our families because of a blanket ban on bike taxi services. As their collective voice, this is an appeal to you to stop this ban and help us earn our daily bread with dignity," the Association wrote in its letter to Rahul Gandhi.

Citing media reports, the Association said the state government has no plans to regulate bike taxis and will soon start taking action against bikers, treating their operations as illegal.

"We, bike taxi drivers, are students, daily-wage earners, helpers, parents - many of us turned to this work when other jobs were not available, especially after COVID. Some of us work all 7 days, covering 10-12 hours a day, just to feed our families. We ride in the hot sun, heavy rain, and traffic to keep the city moving. This is how we pay rent, school fees, and medical bills. Bike taxis are not a side income. They are how we survive," the letter said.

While arguments against bike taxis often raise concerns over safety, helmet quality, and accident risks, the Association said that instead of introducing clear rules for licensing, training, and insurance, the Transport Department has chosen to ban the source of income without considering the impact it can have on drivers.

"Under your leadership, Karnataka has brought important steps for gig workers: social security rules, welfare boards, insurance. These gave us hope. But today, this hope is breaking. What is the use of benefits if we are not even allowed to work?" the letter read.

They further argued that commuters would also be affected by the ban.

"Many use bike taxis for quick, low-cost rides. These are the only affordable rides for thousands, especially where buses are few. We do nearly 8 crore trips in a year. Who will help these riders now?" the Association questioned.

In conclusion, the Association urged the government to reconsider the move.

"Talk to us. Help us find a way so that passengers can travel safely, rules are followed, and our families can survive," they said.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is so unfair to hardworking people! Bike taxis solve real problems in Bengaluru's traffic. Instead of banning, government should regulate properly. Safety standards can be enforced without killing livelihoods. #SaveBikeTaxis
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Priya M.
As a working woman, bike taxis were my lifeline for safe, affordable rides home after late shifts. Now I'll have to pay 3x more for cabs. Government is punishing both riders and commuters. 😔
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Sanjay T.
While I sympathize with drivers, we can't ignore safety concerns. Last month my neighbor had accident with bike taxi - no proper insurance. Government should create proper framework first, then allow operations.
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Arjun V.
Typical knee-jerk reaction by babus! Instead of banning, why not make proper rules? Other states manage bike taxis fine. Karnataka government failing both entrepreneurs and common people. Shame!
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Neha P.
My brother drives bike taxi to pay college fees. Now what? Government talks about supporting gig economy but does opposite. Hope Rahul Gandhi ji helps these hardworking people 🙏
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Vikram S.
This ban shows how disconnected our leaders are from ground reality. These bike taxis are modern-day 'jugaad' that helps both riders and passengers. Government should find middle path - regulate, don't eliminate!

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Tags:
Karnataka bike taxi ban Rahul Gandhi gig workers Namma Bike Taxi Association Bengaluru transport