Hundreds of bike taxi riders across Karnataka say their livelihood is in crisis following the State government’s ongoing crackdown on bike taxis. Riders are now demanding urgent regulation of the sector, arguing that the absence of clear policy has left many jobless and struggling to make ends meet.
“My phone won’t stop ringing, 250 to 300 drivers call me every day, asking what they should do,” said Mohammed Salim, president of the Namma Bike Taxi Association. “I don’t know what to tell them. Should we lose our livelihood because the government has no policy for bike taxis? We don’t want chaos. We need regulation, not a ban,” he added.
Last year alone, Karnataka saw over 8 crore bike taxi rides, Mr. Salim pointed out. “We’re not asking for favours, we’re asking for the right to work legally and safely.”
Ban pushes families into financial distress
For many, the impact of the ban has been deeply personal. Imran M., 37, a father of two, said he has had to borrow money twice this month just to get by. “My daughter’s school is asking for fees, and I have nothing left. I used to earn enough to support my family. Now, we’re surviving on borrowed time.”
