Tue Jul 08 17:22:32 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The central government of India has updated its guidelines to permit ride-hailing platforms to include “non-transport motorcycles” (bike taxis) in their services. However, states like Karnataka continue to enforce bans on bike taxis. The Bike Taxi Association (BTA) is urging the Karnataka government to adopt the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Aggregator Guidelines 2025 immediately. They argue that these guidelines provide a legal basis for regulation, thousands of riders rely on bike taxis for income, and commuters benefit from affordable transportation. The BTA submitted an open letter to various Karnataka ministers, highlighting the urgency and the benefits of adopting the central guidelines. States have a three-month window to adopt the new guidelines.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Bike Taxi Ban Under Pressure as Central Govt. Approves Ride-Sharing Motorcycles**

**Bengaluru, July 8, 2025:** The ongoing ban on bike taxis in Karnataka is facing renewed scrutiny as the central government has officially permitted ride-hailing platforms to integrate “non-transport motorcycles” into their services. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Aggregator Guidelines 2025, released July 1st, offer a regulatory framework for state governments to license and oversee aggregator operations including bike taxis. States have a three-month window to adopt these guidelines.

In response, the Bike Taxi Association (BTA) has issued a strong call to the Karnataka government to immediately adopt the MoRTH guidelines, citing the potential loss of livelihoods for thousands of riders. The BTA submitted an open letter to key ministers across departments, emphasizing the legal viability of bike taxis under central law and the economic benefits they provide to both riders and commuters.

“The law already allows the State to regulate bike taxis, and other States have done it successfully,” stated a BTA representative. “We’re not asking for special treatment, just a fair framework so we can work legally and support our families. Every delay puts riders’ livelihoods at risk.”

The BTA argues that the updated guidelines provide a clear legal backing for bike taxi regulation and offer a chance for the Karnataka government to create a safe and structured environment for the industry. The association also highlighted the importance of affordable last-mile mobility for commuters in Bengaluru. The Karnataka government has yet to publicly comment on the BTA’s request or its plans for adopting the central government’s new guidelines.

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