Nitin Gadkari says private two-wheeler owners allowed to operate bike taxis, asks states to permit them

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has urged state governments to permit bike taxis for private two-wheeler owners, saying the move could create livelihood opportunities. He also announced a proposed negative point system for traffic violations that could lead to suspension or cancellation of driving licences.

Nitin Gadkari has urged states to allow bike taxis for private two-wheeler owners and backed a negative point system for traffic violations. Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said private two-wheeler owners can operate bike taxis and urged state governments to allow such services in their respective states. He said the move could create livelihood opportunities for around eight crore people, particularly in rural areas. He also said the Centre is preparing changes to the Motor Vehicles Act that would introduce a negative point system for traffic violations, with repeated offences potentially leading to suspension or cancellation of driving licences.

Gadkari made the remarks while launching “Suraksha”, a pilot programme aimed at providing free medical diagnosis and counselling to drivers, construction workers and other high-risk workers involved in highway and mining projects.

The programme will initially cover the Nagpur–Kamptee stretch of NH-44 and the mining belt in Chandrapur, Maharashtra. It will cover a 150-km area and has a target of reaching 10,000 people.

Gadkari said private two-wheeler owners should be allowed to transport passengers through bike taxi services. According to him, the move could create employment, particularly in rural areas.

“We have allowed this. But some states are not allowing this. Transport is a state subject. I will urge them to do so as this will give a source of livelihood to many,” Gadkari said.

Gadkari stressed the need for better medical checks and healthcare support for drivers and construction workers, particularly because of the nature of their work.

“health of our drivers is key for road safety and there is a dire need to focus on their eyecare and other health issues they face due to the nature of their work.”

The minister linked workers’ health, particularly drivers’ health, with road safety and called for greater attention to medical issues that can affect people working in demanding conditions.