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Karnataka panel upholds bike-taxi ban, citing safety and legality, while allowing delivery riders and urging BMTC investment
A Karnataka government-appointed expert committee has reaffirmed its stance against bike taxis, declaring them unlawful and unsafe for Bengaluru’s already strained transport ecosystem. The panel, chaired by Transport Secretary NV Prasad and formed following a High Court directive, recommended continuing the ban while allowing private two-wheelers to operate for app-based delivery services.
The committee drew a sharp distinction between passenger transport and goods delivery. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, motorcycles with white number plates cannot be used for hire, as they lack commercial registration, permits, aggregator licences, and passenger insurance. The panel also noted that the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India has not approved any insurance product for privately registered bikes carrying riders, leaving both drivers and passengers vulnerable in case of accidents.
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Delivery services such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, and BigBasket remain lawful, since they involve transporting goods rather than people. Deliveries can legally be made using bicycles, private two-wheelers, or even on foot.
On traffic impact, the report warned that legalising bike taxis would worsen congestion. Between 2015 and 2025, two-wheeler registrations nearly doubled, while BMTC buses—responsible for moving large numbers of commuters—expanded by only 14 percent. The committee argued that bike taxis are space-inefficient and not cost-effective, with short rides costing far more than bus fares.
Social concerns were also raised, with nearly 18 percent of bike-taxi riders identified as college students using parental vehicles, leading to absenteeism and academic risks.
The panel urged stronger enforcement against illegal bike taxis, investment in BMTC’s electric fleet, improved last-mile connectivity, and support for gig workers under the state’s new welfare law.
