Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 3: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said private two-wheeler owners could be permitted to operate bike taxi services, urging state governments to consider allowing such services in their respective states.
Gadkari said private two-wheeler owners have already been permitted to ferry passengers through bike taxis in several states, while some states continue to restrict the service. Since transportation is a state subject, he said individual state governments will have to decide whether to permit bike taxis.
According to Gadkari, allowing private two-wheelers to operate as taxis could create additional livelihood opportunities, particularly in rural and economically weaker areas. He claimed that promoting bike taxi services could potentially provide employment opportunities to around 8 crore people.
However, the permits, insurance requirements and other regulations governing bike taxis will depend on the rules framed by individual states. The minister's statement does not mean that the service will be automatically permitted across the country.
Gadkari also announced that the government is working on amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act to strengthen action against repeated traffic violations. The proposed changes could introduce a negative point system under which drivers would receive penalty points for traffic offences. Accumulation of a specified number of points could lead to suspension or cancellation of a driving licence.
The minister also highlighted the importance of driver health in improving road safety. He launched a pilot programme, 'Suraksha', under which drivers, construction workers and other vulnerable workers associated with highway and mining projects will receive free medical check-ups and counselling.
The programme will initially cover a 150-km stretch of the Nagpur-Kampti section of NH-44 and the Chandrapur mining area in Maharashtra, with a target of reaching around 10,000 people.
Gadkari stressed that regular health checks, particularly eye examinations for drivers, are crucial for preventing accidents. He also underlined the need for proper training of drivers, especially those operating heavy vehicles and construction equipment, noting that adequate training provisions are currently lacking in several areas.