Bengaluru, July 11, 2025 – In a bold divergence from his own government’s stance, Karnataka IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge has come out in support of bike taxi services, criticizing the lack of a regulatory framework and urging the state to adopt a more innovation-friendly approach.
Speaking at a fireside chat on “The Role of Technology in Driving Sustainable Mobility,” Kharge emphasized that the absence of a formal policy should not become a roadblock to progress.
“Just because we don’t have a formulated bike taxi policy, we can’t stifle innovation,” said Kharge. “When no policy exists for such innovation, we place it in a regulatory sandbox. As long as they are not violating laws or acting unconstitutionally, such ventures should be allowed to function.”
Kharge stressed the need for government agility to keep pace with startup culture and emerging technologies. He argued that innovation must be encouraged, not hindered, especially when it brings economic value and convenience to citizens.
His comments come just days after Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy ruled out drafting a policy for bike taxis, citing the current illegality of using private (white board) two-wheelers for commercial purposes.
Kharge’s remarks reflect growing tension between regulatory caution and technological innovation, with public opinion increasingly leaning toward flexible, sustainable urban mobility solutions like bike taxis.
As debates continue, it remains to be seen whether the state will re-evaluate its rigid stance in favor of a more progressive, sandbox-style framework for mobility innovation.
