Bike-taxi drivers protest aggregator ban in Chandigarh

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.