Gadkari said the Centre had already provided a framework allowing private motorcycles and scooters to be used for passenger journeys, but implementation ultimately rested with states because transport regulation falls within their jurisdiction. He said states that continued to restrict bike taxis should reconsider, particularly because the model could supplement incomes and expand mobility 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 while launching the Suraksha worker-health pilot programme.
The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, allow state governments to authorise aggregators to onboard non-transport motorcycles for passenger journeys, subject to conditions prescribed by the competent state authority. The framework leaves licensing and enforcement with states, explaining why bike-taxi availability remains uneven across the country.
Gadkari separately said his ministry had finalised proposed changes aimed at habitual traffic offenders. Under the planned system, violations would attract negative points, with accumulation beyond prescribed thresholds resulting in suspension and potentially cancellation of a driving licence.
“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 minister expanded on the proposal at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers’ 66th annual convention in New Delhi on Thursday, saying the government was working on a graded point system linked to driving licences and vehicle registration certificates. The approach is intended to distinguish repeated unsafe conduct from responsible driving and strengthen enforcement against persistent offenders.
Details including the number of points attached to individual offences, the thresholds for suspension or cancellation, and the timetable for bringing the system into force have not yet been publicly specified. Any statutory changes would have to follow the applicable legislative and notification process before penalties could be enforced.
The announcement comes as the road transport ministry seeks stronger measures to curb unsafe driving. Gadkari has repeatedly highlighted the high level of road deaths and has called for tighter enforcement, improved driver training and better fitness standards for vehicles and drivers.
His bike-taxi appeal also places renewed attention on differences among state policies. The 2025 aggregator guidelines created a national enabling framework, but did not compel states to allow such services. States retain authority to decide whether to permit bike taxis and to set conditions governing operators, drivers, fares and passenger safety.
Supporters of bike taxis argue that they offer low-cost, flexible last-mile transport and can generate work using vehicles that owners already possess. State authorities, however, have also faced questions over licensing, commercial use of private vehicles, insurance, passenger protection and compliance with local transport rules, making implementation dependent on state-level regulations.
Gadkari made the remarks while launching Suraksha, a pilot programme designed to provide free medical diagnosis and counselling for drivers, construction workers and other high-risk workers engaged in highway and mining activity. The programme is intended eventually to cover 10 lakh workers.
The initial phase will cover about 150 kilometres encompassing the Nagpur-Kamptee section of National Highway 44 and the mining belt in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, with a target of reaching 10,000 workers.
Gadkari linked occupational health directly to road safety, saying drivers require better medical testing and healthcare because eyesight and other health problems can affect their ability to work safely. He said greater attention to eye care and conditions associated with demanding work patterns was necessary.
