Bike taxi services operated by app-based aggregators came to a standstill in Karnataka after the high court’s directive to suspend operations took effect on Monday. Complying with the order, all major bike taxi operators including Rapido, Ola and Uber halted two-wheeler ride services across the state.
Rapido was the first to comply, updating its app in the morning with a message stating “Starting June 16, 2025, our bike taxi services in Karnataka will be paused in compliance with recent HC orders,” while expressing commitment to working with the government to restore services.
Initially, both Ola and Uber continued offering motorcycle rides through the day, with their apps showing available rides and confirmed bookings for bike taxi services. However, both platforms discontinued operations by afternoon hours, bringing the bike taxi segment to a complete halt in the state.
“Uber has taken the difficult decision to suspend bike taxi operations in Karnataka from June 16 following an order from the high court. This will negatively impact the many thousands of riders who rely on bike taxis for their daily mobility needs, as well as the many thousands of drivers who rely on the service for their livelihood. We will continue engaging with the government of Karnataka to help shape a progressive policy framework that enables safe, accessible, and affordable mobility options for everyone,” Uber said in a statement.
Ola did not respond to requests for comments at the time of going to the press.
The suspensions followed the Karnataka HC’s explicit directive for all bike taxi operators to cease services from June 16. The April 2 single-judge order had mandated cessation of operations pending formation of state rules under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act. On Friday, the high court refused to stay the single-judge bench order directing the suspension, effectively forcing the services to be halted from Monday.
Transport authorities in the state said they would launch a crackdown on bike taxi services beginning Monday. The action will include confiscation of two-wheelers, fines ranging between Rs 2,000 and Rs 10,000, or imprisonment of three months to one year, sources said.