Bangalore RTO seizes 263 illegal bike‑taxi vehicles amid driver protests

The Karnataka transport department carried out a large‑scale operation in Bengaluru, confiscating 263 two‑wheelers that were being used as unlicensed bike‑taxi services through apps such as Rapido and Uber. The seizure was announced by the state transport commissioner, who said the raid would continue for a week and be reviewed later.

Bike‑taxi drivers protested the action, saying they earn only ₹800‑₹900 a day and now face loss of income and heavy fines. One driver complained, "We work hard for this amount; seizing the bikes and imposing fines puts us in a dire situation." Auto‑rickshaw and taxi unions also demanded a total ban on illegal bike‑taxis and the implementation of a "One City, One Rate" policy.

The crackdown follows a Karnataka High Court ruling that questioned a 2026 decision allowing bike‑taxi operations without proper commercial permits, and the state has appealed the matter to the Supreme Court. The department said the operation aims to enforce licensing rules while the legal challenge proceeds.