Police personnel making an attempt to disperse the bike taxi riders who had gathered in entrance of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru for a peaceable protest on Saturday.
| Picture Credit score: Okay. MURALI KUMAR
Over 5,000 bike taxi riders from throughout Karnataka gathered in entrance of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Saturday for a peaceable protest in opposition to the ban on their companies. The protestors demanded a correct coverage framework to function the bike taxis within the State.
They claimed that the suspension of motorcycle taxi companies has left round 6 lakh riders in despair and took out a motorbike rally.
The riders from numerous districts, together with Mysuru, Mandya, Hassan, Davangere, Tumakuru, Bengaluru South, and Shivamogga, participated within the protest. A few of the protesters have been detained by the Vidhana Soudha police and launched later.
“After I was a motorbike taxi driver, I used to be simply incomes ₹2,500 per day. For the reason that ban was imposed, I’ve been working as a meals supply agent, and I’ve solely been in a position to earn round ₹800 – 900 per day. I hope the federal government helps us. I’m anticipating the Transport Minister to deal with this,” stated Asif Ali, who had come close to Vidhana Soudha to mark his protest. He stated that he was working as a motorbike taxi rider throughout three apps earlier than the ban.
“I’ve two kids and a spouse relying on me, and now I don’t know how one can handle. The hire is overdue, the electrical energy invoice is piling up, and I’m borrowing cash simply to maintain issues going. This ban has not simply taken away our job but in addition our dignity,” stated Ravi, a motorbike taxi rider from Mysuru.
The protestors urged the federal government to herald a correct coverage that permits them to get again to work whereas addressing security and regulation issues. They identified that bike taxis are an essential a part of the State’s transport system, offering jobs for hundreds.
With the proper guidelines in place, bike taxis can proceed to profit everybody, they stated. Additionally they highlighted that 19 different States throughout India have already got insurance policies in place for bike taxis, permitting them to function safely and effectively.
“It has been every week because the ban has been imposed, and I really feel like I’ve no work,” stated Rajkumar Upadhyaya, a motorbike taxi rider from Bengaluru. He stated that he was able to observe any guidelines the federal government imposes if it implies that he can proceed his job. “If I’m requested to make use of a yellow board, I’m prepared for that too. I’m prepared if the federal government places in place uniforms for bike taxi riders.”
He additional stated, “I sincerely plead with the federal government to permit me to proceed my work. It’s not straightforward to search out new jobs both. To earn even ₹20,000 in Bengaluru just isn’t straightforward.”
Many riders stated that they’re awaiting the Karnataka Excessive Court docket listening to that’s scheduled for June 24 on this matter and hoping excellent news.
Revealed – June 21, 2025 09:20 pm IST
