Bengaluru bike-taxi driver reveals monthly income of Rs 85,000, Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma calls it a 'revolution'

In India, the concept of bike taxis has rapidly gained popularity evolving into a significant source of income for both ride-hailing platforms and their drivers. With urban areas like Bengaluru experiencing a surge in demand for quick and affordable transportation, bike taxis have become a lifeline for many commuters—and a surprisingly lucrative opportunity for drivers.

Recently, Paytm’s CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma shared a video which has gone viral and ignited curiosity and discussions about the earnings potential of bike taxi drivers. In the video, a Bengaluru-based driver affiliated with Uber and Rapido claims to earn between Rs 80,000 and Rs 85,000 per month. The video, posted on platform X (formerly Twitter) quickly gained traction, drawing widespread attention to the gig economy's earning potential.

The driver explained that his impressive income comes from working up to 13 hours daily. During the interaction captured in the video, a bystander expressed disbelief at the earnings, remarking that even many salaried professionals don’t earn as much.

Internet's reaction

Opinions on the viral revelation about the bike taxi driver's income varied widely across social media. Some hailed the rise of India's Digital Services Industry, likening it to the transformative impact of the IT sector in generating unprecedented job opportunities. Others expressed skepticism, questioning the authenticity of the claims and seeking clarity on whether the Rs 80,000 figure represented net or gross income. While a few doubted the narrative, many acknowledged that if true, such earnings reflect the hard work and dedication of gig workers, who fully deserve the financial rewards. One also questioned whether driving for 13 hours a day is advisable.