Karnataka Transport Department seizes 263 illegal bike taxis across Bengaluru

A total of 263 vehicles were seized during a special enforcement drive conducted by the Transport Department across Bengaluru as part of a crackdown on the illegal commercial use of private two-wheelers, including bike taxis

Updated - August 08, 2026 11:32 pm IST - Bengaluru

A file photo of people using a bike taxi in Bengaluru.

A total of 263 vehicles were seized during a special enforcement drive conducted by the Transport Department across Bengaluru on Wednesday as part of a crackdown on the illegal commercial use of private two-wheelers, including bike taxis.

The enforcement operation targeted two-wheelers registered under the non-transport category for private use but found to be operating commercially in violation of transport regulations.

According to M.P. Omkareshwari, Additional Commissioner for Transport (Enforcement, South & Bengaluru Urban), officials inspected and seized 263 illegally operating vehicles during the drive.

The crackdown comes a day after Transport Department officials held a meeting with the Karnataka App-Based Workers Union (KAWU). The meeting followed the union’s warning that it would launch a strike if the department failed to take action against illegal bike taxi operations in the city.

Officials said that the department has intensified enforcement measures and will continue to actively identify, seize, and impound private vehicles being used as illegal bike taxis. This includes vehicles operating through app-based aggregators as well as other non-permitted private two-wheelers engaged in commercial passenger transport.

Published - August 05, 2026 08:40 pm IST

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