According to a report by Vijayavani, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has urged state governments across India to formulate policies that permit the operation of bike taxis. The minister emphasized that transport regulation remains a state-level subject, noting that current restrictions in several regions are hindering a viable source of income for the rural population and the middle class.
Minister Gadkari argued that the integration of bike taxis into the public transport ecosystem could serve as a significant catalyst for job creation. He suggested that by formalizing these services, the government could provide new economic opportunities for students and low-income workers. The minister projected that a nationwide adoption of such policies could potentially facilitate the creation of up to 80 million jobs.
The proposal comes amidst ongoing debates regarding the regulation of app-based transport services in various Indian states. While some regions have moved to integrate bike taxis into their transit networks, others have raised concerns regarding safety and existing taxi union interests. Gadkari’s appeal is part of his broader push to modernize India's transport infrastructure and reduce barriers to entry for small-scale service providers.
The report cites Union Minister Nitin Gadkari advocating for the legalization of bike taxis across Indian states to boost employment. While the specific figure of 8 crore jobs is a high-level projection attributed to the minister, the core policy stance aligns with Gadkari's known public advocacy for transport liberalization.
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Original report: Vijayavani