Bengaluru: The high court order lifting the ban on bike-taxi operations has brought relief to thousands of captains across Karnataka, many of whom had either stopped working or were operating cautiously amid fears of a backlash from autorickshaw drivers.For Deepa P, a bike-taxi captain in Bengaluru, the ruling has eased a daily source of anxiety. Until now, she avoided picking up or dropping passengers near auto stands or areas dominated by auto drivers, who often objected to bike-taxi services. Now she can work without fear of confrontation. “I’m very happy,” she said, adding that the order would benefit thousands like her. Deepa works from 9am to 6pm daily to earn around Rs 1,000 a day, which is crucial to support her family. The HC verdict was celebrated by office-bearers of the Bike Taxi Welfare Association in Bengaluru, who marked the occasion by bursting firecrackers, cutting a cake, and distributing sweets.Association president Adinarayana M described the decision as the culmination of a long struggle. He said the association had been fighting for riders’ rights for nearly a decade, and the order would benefit close to six lakh bike-taxi riders across Karnataka, including around two lakh in Bengaluru alone.According to Adinarayana, bike-taxi services have become an important source of employment, especially for youngsters, and the HC decision would safeguard their interests.Sajan Ahmed, another captain, said the order has restored his confidence to return to work. Even though income from bike-taxi services had supported him for the past five years, he had to stop riding four months ago after getting repeated warnings from auto drivers. “Today, I started again,” he said, adding that the ruling means he no longer has to work in fear or avoid certain areas. Ola, Uber, Rapido welcome orderRide-hailing platforms offering bike-taxi services also welcomed the decision. Uber said the order recognises bike taxis as a legal and vital mobility option in congested cities and would bring relief to lakhs who depend on the service.Ola, in a statement, said the decision was a positive signal for urban mobility in the state. It said bike taxis play a key role in improving last-mile connectivity and affordability, and the ruling would help reduce congestion while creating flexible earning opportunities. A Rapido spokesperson said: “We sincerely thank the high court for this progressive decision and extend our gratitude to all stakeholders who have supported this journey. Recognising bike taxis as a legitimate mode of transport is not just a legal victory for us, but a milestone moment for urban mobility in Karnataka. It is a win for the people of Karnataka.”
