Nitin Gadkari says private two-wheeler owners allowed to operate bike taxis, asks states to permit them

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said private two-wheeler owners can operate bike taxis and urged state governments to allow such services in their respective states. He said the move could create livelihood opportunities for around eight crore people, particularly in rural areas. He also said the Centre is preparing changes to the Motor Vehicles Act that would introduce a negative point system for traffic violations, with repeated offences potentially leading to suspension or cancellation of driving licences.

Gadkari made the remarks while launching “Suraksha”, a pilot programme aimed at providing free medical diagnosis and counselling to drivers, construction workers and other high-risk workers involved in highway and mining projects.

The programme will initially cover the Nagpur–Kamptee stretch of NH-44 and the mining belt in Chandrapur, Maharashtra. It will cover a 150-km area and has a target of reaching 10,000 people.

Nitin Gadkari asks states to allow bike taxis

Gadkari said private two-wheeler owners should be allowed to transport passengers through bike taxi services. According to him, the move could create employment, particularly in rural areas.

“We have allowed this. But some states are not allowing this. Transport is a state subject. I will urge them to do so as this will give a source of livelihood to many,” Gadkari said.

The minister said allowing such services could provide another source of income for people in areas where employment opportunities are limited.

New system proposed for traffic violations

Gadkari also spoke about road safety and the need to deal with drivers who repeatedly violate traffic and transport rules.

He said the government has finalised proposed legislation that would introduce a negative point system for “habitual offenders”. Under the proposed system, drivers would receive negative points for violations.

“There will be negative points for each violation and accumulation of a certain point will result in suspension and even cancellation of licences. We hope this will instil responsible driving behaviour,” he said.

The proposed system is aimed at making drivers more accountable for repeated violations and encouraging safer behaviour on roads.

‘Suraksha’ programme focuses on workers’ health

The minister launched the “Suraksha” pilot programme to provide free medical diagnosis and counselling to 10 lakh drivers, construction workers and other high-risk workers involved in highway and mining projects.

The initial phase will focus on 10,000 people working across the 150-km Nagpur–Kamptee section of NH-44 and the mining belt of Chandrapur in Maharashtra.

Gadkari stressed the need for better medical checks and healthcare support for drivers and construction workers, particularly because of the nature of their work.

“health of our drivers is key for road safety and there is a dire need to focus on their eyecare and other health issues they face due to the nature of their work.”

The minister linked workers’ health, particularly drivers’ health, with road safety and called for greater attention to medical issues that can affect people working in demanding conditions.