Bengaluru, 05 August (H.S.) :The Karnataka Transport Department has launched a stringent crackdown on illegal bike taxi operations in Bengaluru from Wednesday, with officials warning that vehicles found providing unauthorised services will be seized and action taken against riders.

The enforcement drive follows a meeting between senior Transport Department officials and representatives of the Karnataka App Based Workers Union (KAWU) on Tuesday. The meeting was convened after the union threatened to launch a strike unless authorities acted against bike taxis operating illegally in the city.

Transport Department officials said special attention would be given to bike taxis operated through app-based platforms as well as private two-wheelers being used for commercial passenger services without the necessary permits.

Under the proposed enforcement measures, vehicles detected operating as illegal bike taxis will be seized and impounded. Authorities will also initiate proceedings to suspend the driving licences of riders and the registration certificates of vehicles involved in such operations.

Officials said the crackdown would be accompanied by an awareness campaign to inform riders and the public about regulations governing bike taxi services and the consequences of using private vehicles for unauthorised commercial operations.

The KAWU, in a statement, said senior officials from the Transport Department and Regional Transport Offices held discussions with its representatives following the union's protest call.

According to the union, officials assured them that immediate legal action would be initiated against unauthorised bike taxi operations across Bengaluru.

The union has been demanding stricter enforcement against such services, arguing that their continued operation affects the livelihoods of drivers working within the regulated app-based transport sector.

Transport authorities are expected to intensify inspections at locations where bike taxi services are frequently reported and take action against vehicles found violating transport regulations.

The latest drive signals a tougher enforcement approach by the Karnataka government against unauthorised passenger transport services in Bengaluru.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman