Kolkata, Ride-hailing app Uber on Thursday announced the expansion of its bike taxi services to seven more cities in West Bengal as part of a nationwide strategy.Uber Bike operations have been launched in Asansol, Kharagpur, Murshidabad, Bardhaman, Panskura, Habra and Malda, a statement said.The bike taxi service would provide an affordable option for short-distance travel and last-mile connectivity, while offering flexible earning opportunities to local drivers, it said.The expansion is part of Uber's plan to increase its presence to more than 225 cities across India.Ahead of Independence Day, the company is also offering a free first ride to new users for a limited time.The expansion will be driven by Uber Bike, aimed at providing affordable and dependable mobility in smaller towns and emerging urban centres across the country.Uber said the move will strengthen last-mile connectivity while creating flexible income opportunities for thousands of local drivers.The newly added cities are spread across 18 states and one Union Territory, ranging from Jammu in the north to Tirunelveli in the south, Silchar in the east and Jamnagar in the west.According to the company, the expansion underscores its focus on growing beyond metro markets and improving access to transportation for millions of Indians.Rishant Ghosh, Director - Consumer & Growth, Uber India & South Asia, said, “Expanding to 100 new cities marks an important milestone as we take Uber deeper into India and strengthen access to reliable, affordable mobility for millions.”Welcoming the development, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said India’s expanding road infrastructure is helping connect smaller cities and unlock new economic opportunities, paving the way for greater mobility and growth.