Bike Taxi Ban Lifted in Karnataka: Uber, Ola and Rapido Get Green Signal

A ban on bike taxi services functioning throughout the state was overturned by a division bench of the Karnataka High Court. Hence, allowing app-based two-wheeler transport platforms to reopen. Chief Justice Vibhu Bakru and Justice CM Joshi overturned a one-judge bench decision on 23 January that had earlier supported the state government's ban on motorcycle taxi services. The division bench overturned the previous court ruling that had completely shut down major ride-hailing aggregators like Ola, Uber, and others by granting appeals filed by these companies. Now what aggregators need to comply with, let’s explore.

What New Ruling States?

According to the verdict, aggregator platforms and motorbike owners must formally apply for permission to use their vehicles as transport services. These applications must be processed and approved by the state government in compliance with current laws. Although operators will have to abide by any restrictions the state authorities may impose, the court's ruling permits services to resume. The Namma Bike Taxi Association's president, Mohammad Salim, called the decision revolutionary for passengers and cyclists alike. Salim stated that the revocation of the bike taxi ban is excellent news.

He genuinely wants to thank the high court for allowing people to use bike taxis and giving them more options for transportation. In June 2025, motorcycle taxi operations came to an end after the High Court ordered that all such services be suspended immediately. Bike taxi booking capabilities were later withdrawn from the applications of major platforms, including Ola, Uber, and Rapido.

Why the Services were Called Off?

The state government outlawed the operation of bike taxi services in March 2024. The initial reason it was done was that electric two-wheelers were not available on ride-hailing services. Second, it was claimed that these platforms were abusing the current policy. When the government discontinued its EV bike taxi programme last year, it also cited safety concerns for women.

According to the court's ruling from April 2, 2025, ride-hailing services cannot provide bike taxi services in Karnataka until a policy is established. The state government needs to be aware of new situations, according to Justice BM Shyam Prasad. This statement was made by the court in a clear reference to Bengaluru residents who are searching for various ways to travel. The prohibition went into force on June 16 of last year.