The launch of Rapido bike taxi services in Belagavi has sparked strong opposition from local auto-rickshaw drivers.
On Saturday, a group of auto drivers, who had booked Rapido rides themselves to lure the riders to a particular spot, confronted and argued with the Rapido drivers at Channamma Circle. The situation quickly escalated into a scuffle. When police arrived to control the situation, the auto drivers also argued with the officers.
Auto drivers are upset over Rapido’s entry into Belagavi, claiming it threatens their livelihood, especially under the current “guarantee scheme” being promoted. They insist that Rapido should not be allowed to operate in the city under any circumstances, arguing that it is already difficult for them to make ends meet.
In a provocative move, the auto drivers who called Rapido bikes took photos of the vehicles and their keys. The situation was eventually brought under control, and one of the involved auto drivers was taken to the Belagavi Dakshina Traffic Police Station for questioning. The entire incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the APMC Police Station.
Justice Shyam Prasad ordered to stop bike taxi operations including Rapido, Uber and Ola within six weeks. The Karnataka High Court ruled that bike taxis cannot operate in the state unless the government notifies relevant guidelines under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, along with the necessary rules. Now Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Friday instructed his department officials to implement the High Court order to suspend bike taxi operations in the state within six weeks.
Source: publicnext.com
Belgaum auto drivers are notorious. They exploit customers. There is auto mafia in Belgaum city. For a distance of 2 km one ends up paying Rs 100/-. Same is the case in Hubli and Dharwad. Hence request government to start Rapido services all over India
100% true
Illiterate Auto drivers
Sooner or later uber ola rapido will be in Belgaum…the auto mafia has to end… customers are suffering bcoz of unfair demand of these autos…
Belagavi authorities should ask all the auto drivers to win their autos on meters, else Rapido is the best alternative.
Belagavi auto drivers are looting the. Customers by charging them heavily for the services, which is almost 2-3 times the cost
Wtf these auto drivers are goons in belagavi just looting money from the people for even a small distance they charge a significant amount, look at how they have booked and confronted the rapido guys . If the government is going to stop rapido then I would request government to order these auto drivers / goons to run on a meter .
Do rapido bike riders not have a right to earn their livelihood? Why should anyone obstruct their legitimate means of earning?
Police should stop this hooliganism. This is unacceptable. Arrest them and seize their autos if they continue exploitation of customers like this.
Yes auto drivers are very rude, behave harsh, and they ask more money for short distance, they are indirectly Torturing common people, sometimes just coz they ask unfsir charges, we move on… They bargain and if we don’t agree they speak nonsense. During this digitalization they order forcibly to pay more charges. This has to be stopped.
Belgaum auto drivers are like daytime thieves. Rapid, Ola, and Uber services are a must in Belgaum as they help the public.
As I am felt unfair to Rapido driver, However they are charging less price of kilometres when compared to these auto rowdies they rational behave like they are only drivers in the India,I strongly support Rapido for their rights and job security to the government of Karnataka please extend their rights to work operations. ThAnk you
Even I belive in rapido should be back on rods because it helps public they follow there rules but don’t ask extra why government can’t bring strict rules on autos
Boycot usage of auto auto in Belagavi.
Whatever suggestions / remarks / comments made by the public is true. Belgaum auto drivers have complete monopoly. They have stopped usage of meters. I strongly support Rapido, Ola, Uber. In case of emergency it is very difficult to get conveyance in Belgaum from the extension areas. Government should realize this.
I fully agree with the concerns raised by the public regarding auto-rickshaw services in Belgaum. The auto drivers here have created a monopoly, and the widespread refusal to use fare meters has made daily commuting unfair and unpredictable. This not only burdens residents with arbitrary fares but also severely limits transportation options, especially during emergencies and for people living in extension areas.
In such a scenario, services like Rapido, Ola, and Uber are not just convenient—they are necessary. They bring transparency, accountability, and efficiency to urban transport. Unfortunately, their operations have been restricted or opposed in Belgaum, leaving commuters without reliable alternatives.