Bike taxi ban deepens Bengaluru’s traffic woes, triggers public outrage

Bengaluru’s traffic nightmare has worsened after the Karnataka High Court upheld the state government's ban on bike taxi services, dealing a blow to thousands of daily commuters. The ban, officially enforced on June 16, 2025, followed the dismissal of petitions seeking to legalise two-wheeler ride-hailing platforms in the city.

You block bike taxis…

- with no proper roads
- dug-up and narrow lanes
- missing U-turns
- zero metro access in many areas
- limited public buses
- no footpaths to walk

Bangalore’s traffic has increased almost 4/5x with every one taking out their car or booking an auto.

What…

— Striver | Building takeUforward (@striver_79)

You block bike taxis…

- with no proper roads
- dug-up and narrow lanes
- missing U-turns
- zero metro access in many areas
- limited public buses
- no footpaths to walk

Bangalore’s traffic has increased almost 4/5x with every one taking out their car or booking an auto.

What…

— Striver | Building takeUforward (@striver_79) June 18, 2025

">June 18, 2025

For many, bike taxis had become an essential part of daily life—offering a faster, cheaper alternative to navigate Bengaluru’s notoriously congested and chaotic roads. With roadworks, dug-up lanes, missing U-turns, inadequate public transport, and absent footpaths still rampant, commuters now face longer delays and increased costs by relying on autos and cabs, which many describe as overpriced and inconsistent.

Also Read: Bengaluru: RTO officials seize more than 80 electric bike taxis amidst protest by private transport organisations

The public backlash has been swift and vocal, especially on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where frustrated users called out the government’s decision.

“You block bike taxis… – with no proper roads – dug-up and narrow lanes – missing U-turns – zero metro access in many areas – limited public buses – no footpaths to walk,” one user posted, echoing the sentiments of many others. Another added, “Bangalore’s traffic has increased almost 4/5x with everyone taking out their car or booking an auto. What a genius move.”

As the city grapples with growing mobility issues, the ban raises urgent questions about transport planning and commuter welfare in India’s tech capital.