Bengaluru, Aug 5
The Karnataka Transport Department on Wednesday launched a stringent enforcement drive against illegal bike taxi operations in Bengaluru, warning that unauthorised vehicles would be seized and riders could face suspension of their driving licences.
The crackdown follows a meeting between senior Transport Department officials and representatives of the Karnataka App Based Workers Union (KAWU) on Tuesday. The talks were held after the union threatened to launch a protest if authorities failed to take action against bike taxis allegedly operating illegally across the city.
Transport officials said enforcement teams would target private two-wheelers being used for commercial passenger services without the required permits, including vehicles offering rides through app-based platforms.
As part of the drive, vehicles found operating unauthorised bike taxi services will be seized and impounded. Proceedings could also be initiated to suspend the driving licences of riders as well as the registration certificates of vehicles involved in violations, officials said.
The department is also expected to step up inspections in areas where bike taxi operations are frequently reported. Enforcement teams will monitor such services and initiate action against vehicles found violating transport regulations.
Alongside enforcement, authorities plan to create awareness among riders and commuters about the rules governing passenger transport and the legal consequences of using private vehicles for unauthorised commercial services.
KAWU said senior Transport Department and Regional Transport Office officials met its representatives following the union’s protest call and assured them of immediate action against illegal bike taxi operations in Bengaluru.
The union has been pressing the government for stricter enforcement, arguing that unauthorised bike taxis adversely affect the livelihoods of drivers operating within the regulated app-based transport sector.
The latest enforcement drive marks a tougher approach by the Karnataka government towards unauthorised passenger transport services in Bengaluru, with officials indicating that inspections and action against violations will continue across the city.
