Saturday, 5 July, 2025

Karnataka’s Bike‑Taxi Ban Halves Incomes for 150K Riders, Pushing Many Into Poverty

Karnataka's high court-imposed bike‑taxi ban, effective June 16, has slashed riders’ incomes by about 50%, impacting ~150,000 gig workers in Bengaluru. Former bike‑taxi drivers now flood delivery platforms, worsening competition and reducing earnings for food and grocery couriers. Many earn just ₹400–500/day—barely covering bike EMIs. Riders urge regulated reinstatement, not prohibition, to restore livelihoods and affordable urban mobility.