Federation of Private Transport Organisations urges strict action against unauthorised bike taxi and porter service apps operating in Karnataka
Bengaluru: Private transport organizations have welcomed the Maharashtra government’s reported move to initiate cybercrime action against unauthorized bike taxi applications and remove illegal transport service apps from digital platforms, calling it a “model action” that should also be implemented in Karnataka and other states.
In a statement issued by S. Nataraj Sharma, the Federation of Private Transport Organisations praised Maharashtra authorities for taking a firm stand against what it described as unauthorised whiteboard bike taxi operators and illegal app-based porter services.
The organisation alleged that despite repeated appeals to authorities, action against such unauthorised transport services has remained inadequate in several states.
Private Transport Federation Demands Cybercrime Action
According to the statement, the federation has repeatedly urged transport departments to initiate legal and cybercrime proceedings against unauthorised app-based transport operators allegedly functioning without proper permissions or regulatory approvals.
The organisation claimed that such services are negatively affecting licensed private transport operators and creating unfair competition within the transport sector.
“The Maharashtra government’s decision to initiate cybercrime action and remove unauthorised apps from digital platforms is a bold step,” the federation stated.
The group further appealed to transport authorities in Karnataka and other states to adopt similar measures against apps allegedly operating outside transport regulations.
Demand to Remove Illegal Transport Apps from the Play Store
The federation also welcomed reports suggesting that authorities in Maharashtra are considering steps to remove unauthorised transport service applications from platforms such as the Google Play Store.
Transport associations argue that illegal bike taxi and porter applications continue operating despite repeated complaints from licensed operators and industry groups.
The statement further alleged that authorities had shown “apathy” toward the concerns raised by traditional transport operators regarding the growing presence of unauthorized digital transport services.
Transport Sector Groups Seek Wider Regulatory Action
Private transport groups have now urged media organizations to highlight the issue and amplify demands for stricter regulation of app-based transport services operating without official approval.
The federation maintained that stronger enforcement and legal action are necessary to protect regulated transport operators and ensure compliance with state transport laws.
The issue of app-based bike taxi operations has remained controversial in several Indian states, with governments and transport unions often clashing over licensing norms, commercial permits, and legal status of aggregator-based services.
