Gadkari Urges States to Allow Bike Taxis, Launches ‘Suraksha’ Programme

Sept 4, 2026 - Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday, September 2, urged all State governments to allow private two-wheeler owners to operate bike taxis. He recommended that permits be given for bike taxis, saying this could create a new source of income for people, particularly in rural areas, and could benefit around eight crore people.

Announcing this during the launch of a pilot programme called Suraksha, Gadkari said, “We have allowed it, but some States are not permitting it. Transport is a State subject. I will urge them to do so, because it will provide a source of employment for many people.”

The types of permits, insurance requirements, and other regulations applicable to bike taxis will depend on the rules set by the respective State governments.

Under Suraksha, one million drivers, construction workers, and people engaged in high-risk occupations working on highways and mining projects will receive free medical check-ups and consultations at their workplaces.

Speaking about the programme, Gadkari stressed the need for better medical check-ups and healthcare services for drivers and construction workers, saying, “The health of our drivers is our top priority," adding “There is a great need to focus not only on road safety but also on eye care and other health problems caused by the nature of their work.”

Referring to violations of traffic and transport rules by drivers and the high number of deaths resulting from them, the Minister said he had finalised a proposed law to penalise “repeat offenders.” 

“Negative points will be awarded for every violation, and once a certain number of points are accumulated, the licence may be suspended or cancelled,” Gadkari said.