Govt crackdown on autos after bike taxi ban: 98 seized, 260 cases filed

NT Correspondent
Bengaluru

In a sweeping enforcement action following the controversial bike taxi ban, the Karnataka Transport Department on June 30 cracked down on auto rickshaw drivers in Bengaluru for overcharging commuters and operating illegally. A total of 260 cases were registered, and 98 auto rickshaws were seized during the single- day drive.

The crackdown comes less than two weeks after the government officially banned bike taxis on June 16. With that move sparking frustration among commuters relying on affordable short-distance rides, complaints of auto rickshaws, especially app- based ones, demanding exorbitant fares have surged.

In response, Transport Minister R Ramalinga Reddy on June 28 directed officials to initiate stern action against errant drivers. The Transport Department swiftly acted on the minister’s directive, launching a city wide operation starting from 8 a.m. on June 30. The enforcement teams spread out across Bengaluru’s RTO jurisdictions, including Central, South, East, Yelahanka, and West.

Bengaluru South recorded the highest number of violations, with 48 cases and 18 autos seized. Bengaluru West followed with 36 cases and 13 seizures, while Bengaluru Central logged 30 cases and impounded 19 vehicles.

Officials noted that many of the autorickshaws found in violation were operating through ride-hailing apps and were either charging surge prices or refusing to ply by the meter. Some were also found plying without valid permits or fitness certificates.

The crackdown is likely to intensify in the coming weeks, as the government looks to send a strong message to the transport sector about fare compliance and passenger rights. The transport department has urged the public to report overcharging and refusals to ply through the official grievance redressal platforms or helpline numbers.

Meanwhile, auto rickshaw unions have voiced concern over the crack- down, claiming that the sudden ban on bike taxis has increased commuter demand, putting pressure on the existing auto fleet. They have sought a meeting with the minister to discuss fare revisions and operational clarity in the post-bike taxi phase. For now, officials say the city will continue to see surprise inspections and seizure drives to curb fare violations and protect commuters’ interests.