Bike-taxi captains start hunger strike in Karnataka, demand end to ban

Bengaluru: With livelihoods at stake, bike-taxi captains from across Karnataka launched a hunger strike Sunday, demanding the govt lift the ongoing ban on their operations. Around 30 captains gathered near Central College campus in Bengaluru, threatening to continue their protest until their voices are heard.The captains said the ban has pushed thousands into joblessness and poverty. For many daily wagers and students, bike taxis were a vital source of income. Protesters also questioned the govt's double standards — allowing two-wheelers for deliveries, but penalising them for passenger transport under Motor Vehicles Act.Kotappa C, 55, a captain from Marathahalli, said: "This was my only livelihood for the past five years. I saved about Rs 1,500 daily. Now, I can't pay rent or fees. At my age, delivery work is not an option. We won't stop until the ban is lifted."Prethi Raj, a 24-year-old student from Kolar, used his evening bike-taxi earnings to fund his education. "I rode every day after college. Now I don't know how I'll pay my semester fees or buy books. We're not doing anything wrong — just providing a service," he said.The Bike Taxi Welfare Association submitted appeals to the chief minister and transport minister, urging immediate relief. In an open letter, it highlighted the financial distress caused by the ban and asked the govt to regulate, not outlaw, the sector. Anil Kumar, the association's vice-president, said: "People from across the state depend on this for survival. The public, too, is unhappy with the ban."President Adi Narayana added the govt must evolve with the times. "Bike-taxis are essential for last-mile connectivity. Telling us to switch to deliveries is not a solution. We need support, not silence," he opined. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025, messages and quotes!