Tamil Nadu revokes bike taxi ban hours after imposing it

Chennai: Hours after the state transport commissioner issued an order banning bike taxis and the use of two-wheelers for commercial purposes, Tamil Nadu transport minister SS Sivasankar reversed it, citing a lack of clarity from the Centre.

The ban, issued by transport commissioner Shunchonngam Jatak Chiru in response to complaints from auto drivers, instructed field officials to conduct an enforcement drive and submit an action-taken report by 7pm on Wednesday. However, the order triggered widespread confusion and chaos among operators and users of bike taxis across the state.

Minister Sivasankar later clarified that the Union govt, which typically formulates nationwide guidelines for such matters, has not provided clear rules regarding the use of two-wheelers for rental or commercial purposes.

"We are awaiting more clarity from the Centre and courts to make a final decision. As of now, there is no effective ban on bike taxis, and they can continue operating in Tamil Nadu," he said.

The state is home to over four lakh workers associated with platforms such as Rapido, Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Dunzo and Zomato. The minister said drivers should possess valid licences and vehicle insurance documents, failing which action would be taken.

Jude Mathew of the Independent Rental Vehicles Owners and Drivers Association urged the govt to finalise its policy, noting that unresolved guidelines since 2019 have left accident victims travelling on bike taxis ineligible for compensation and insurance claims. Based on a petition by the association, the Madras high court banned bike taxis in 2018, but the order was stayed on appeal.

The state was subsequently directed to draft comprehensive guidelines, which remain pending approval by the home (transport) department. The proposed aggregator policy aims at addressing fare regulation and accountability in cases of accidents or violations



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