Bengaluru, June 16: Karnataka’s state-wide ban on bike taxi services came into effect on Monday, dealing a blow to more than 100,000 gig workers who rely on the sector for their livelihood, particularly in the state capital Bengaluru.
In response, the Namma Bike Taxi Association has written to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, seeking his intervention to halt the ban. The association argued that bike taxis are not a secondary income but the primary means of survival for thousands of riders.
“Over 1,00,000 gig workers in Bengaluru and across Karnataka are losing our right to earn and feed our families because of a blanket ban on bike taxi services,” the association said in the letter, as reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI). “This is an appeal to you to stop this ban and help us earn our daily bread with dignity.”
The letter describes the challenges faced by riders—many of whom are students, daily wage earners, and sole breadwinners—who work long hours under difficult conditions. “Some of us work all 7 days, covering 10–12 hours a day, just to feed our families. We ride in the hot sun, heavy rain, and traffic to keep the city moving,” it said.
The state government has defended the ban on the grounds of safety, poor helmet standards, and the lack of a regulatory framework. However, the association argued that rather than shutting down the sector, the government should implement clear rules around licensing, training, and insurance.
“Under your leadership, Karnataka has brought important steps for gig workers: social security rules, welfare boards, insurance. These gave us hope. But today, this hope is breaking. What is the use of benefits if we are not even allowed to work?” the letter asked.
The association also warned of the impact on commuters, noting that bike taxis conduct an estimated eight crore (80 million) trips annually and provide crucial last-mile connectivity in areas with limited public transportation.
“Talk to us. Help us find a way so that passengers can travel safely, rules are followed, and our families can survive,” the letter concluded.
