Mumbai Transport Unions Take Stand Against Illegal Bike Taxis
Transport unions representing aggregator cab and autorickshaw drivers in Mumbai have organized a major protest at Azad Maidan on Monday afternoon. The demonstration targets the continuing operation of illegal bike taxis across the city and authorities' failure to take action despite two recent tragic fatalities.
Recent Tragedies Spark Outrage
The protest comes in response to the death of a woman passenger in Mulund just days ago. The victim was traveling on a private white-number-plate Rapido bike taxi when it met with a fatal accident. This incident follows another tragedy last month in Ghatkopar, where a bike taxi rider died in an accident while the passenger suffered critical injuries.
Keshav Nana Khirsagar, president of Bharatiya Gig Kamgar Manch, highlighted the grave safety concerns. "Most bike taxi services operate without legal permission and lack insurance coverage for both passengers and riders," he stated. This regulatory gap leaves thousands of commuters vulnerable every day.
Regulatory Violations and Public Safety Risks
Authorities have granted bike taxi operators only provisional licenses to operate electric bike taxis with yellow number plates, which identify them as transport vehicles. However, companies have deployed thousands of petrol-engine two-wheelers with white number plates instead, putting countless citizens at risk.
The widespread use of private vehicles for commercial transport violates regulations and compromises passenger safety. Without proper licensing and insurance, victims of accidents have limited recourse for compensation or medical coverage.
The protest at Azad Maidan represents growing frustration among legitimate transport operators and increasing public concern about unregulated services endangering lives on Mumbai's busy streets.
