Karnataka bike taxi ban: Rapido says it continues to engage with state govt, seeks viable policy framework

Rapido bike taxi

With the Karnataka bike taxi ban set to take effect on June 16, aggregator Rapido on June 14 said it continues to engage with the state government and is seeking a viable policy framework.

“We are actively pursuing all avenues to support our captains. Rapido remains hopeful that our continued engagement with the government will pave the way for a viable framework for bike taxis and the millions of gig workers who depend on them—just as it has in several other states and Union Territories,” the company said in a statement.

Also, read: No bike taxis in Karnataka from June 16 as High Court refuses to stay single judge order

“Until then, we urge our captains and users to stand with us as we continue our constructive dialogue with the authorities in the best interest of all stakeholders.”

The company added that it remains committed to working collaboratively with the Transport Department and the Government of Karnataka to shape a regulatory framework that is compliant, sustainable, and future-ready. “Our priority is to protect the interests of gig workers while ensuring commuter safety remains paramount,” it added.

Also, read: Karnataka bike taxi ban: Nasscom seeks urgent policy framework, interim relief

Acknowledging the High Court directive, Rapido said: “Even though we are not the initiating party in the ongoing case, we have remained engaged throughout as a responsible stakeholder in the state’s transportation ecosystem. This is a challenging moment for our captains—many of whom rely on bike taxis as their primary source of income. They have been instrumental in delivering affordable, last-mile mobility to millions of commuters across Karnataka.”

The Karnataka High Court on June 13 declined to stay a single judge’s order directing that bike taxi services must halt operations unless the state government notifies rules under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The April 2 order issued by Justice B Shyam Prasad had directed that all bike taxi operations in Karnataka be stopped within six weeks—a deadline later extended to June 15. Consequently, services are expected to cease across the state starting June 16.

As reported by Moneycontrol on June 12, the Karnataka Transport Department has confirmed that it will implement the High Court’s directive requiring all bike taxi operators to stop services by June 15.

Industry body Nasscom has called on the Karnataka government to take immediate action regarding bike taxi operations in the state.

Also, read: Karnataka bike taxi ban nears June 15 deadline; transport dept to implement HC order