# Bike-taxi drivers protest aggregator ban in Chandigarh 2026-09-27T23:11:20+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Bike-taxi riders protested outside Elante Mall in Chandigarh on Saturday against the suspension of licences of four app-based aggregators, Ola, Uber, InDrive and Rapido. The Tricity Riders Welfare Society and Chandigarh App Based Workers Union said the action has left thousands of riders without their primary livelihood and removed an affordable transport option for commuters. Union president Sahil Kumar said riders had been paying taxes and wanted to continue legally, but the process to convert motorcycles into commercial vehicles remains difficult. He claimed very few motorcycles had been converted in Chandigarh in the past five years despite demand. The riders have sought simplification of the process or a local permit system under the Centre's Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. They also demanded a halt to challans and time for a policy to be framed. Bharat Taxi is the only app-based alternative available but does not offer bike rides. The union warned of escalating the agitation, including depositing bike keys at the STA office and a possible chakka jam. Another protest has been called at Tribune Chowk at 10 am on Monday. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Chandigarh's crackdown on bike-taxi aggregators follows a pattern seen in several states where existing transport laws do not clearly classify two-wheelers as commercial vehicles. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, only vehicles with a commercial permit can be used for hire, and the conversion process involves multiple approvals from the Regional Transport Authority. Thousands of riders in the tricity area depend on this informal sector, and the union's demand for a daily or weekly permit mirrors the approach the central government proposed in its 2025 guidelines, which states have yet to adopt uniformly. The next signal to watch is the protest on Monday and whether the Chandigarh administration responds with a policy timeline or further enforcement. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com Tags: Chandigarh, Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025, Ola, Rapido, Uber Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/bike-taxi-drivers-protest-aggregator-ban-in-chandigarh/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/bike-taxi-drivers-protest-aggregator-ban-in-chandigarh/#story-in-brief