Gadkari Urges States to Permit Bike Taxis, Plans Negative-Point System for Traffic Violations

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has urged all state governments to permit bike taxi services, saying the move could create livelihood opportunities for up to eight crore people, particularly in rural areas.
Speaking at the launch of the “Suraksha” pilot programme in Maharashtra, Gadkari said the initiative aims to provide free, on-the-spot medical check-ups and counselling to drivers, construction workers and others engaged in high-risk work related to highways and mining.

The pilot will cover a 150-km stretch of NH-44 between Nagpur and Kamptee, along with the mining belt in Chandrapur, and initially targets around 10,000 workers. Gadkari stressed that regular health and eye examinations for drivers are essential for improving road safety.
He also announced plans to amend the Motor Vehicles Act to introduce a negative-point system for traffic violations. Under the proposed system, drivers would accumulate penalty points for each offence, and reaching a specified limit could lead to suspension or cancellation of their driving licences.
Gadkari said the proposed system is aimed at dealing with habitual traffic offenders and encouraging more responsible driving behaviour.

On bike taxis, the minister said the Centre has permitted the use of private two-wheelers for carrying passengers, but some states have yet to allow the service. Since transport is a state subject, he appealed to state governments to adopt the policy, highlighting its potential to generate employment and provide an additional source of income.