Road Transport Minister pushes bike taxis and proposes points system for traffic offences
Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari called on state governments to permit two-wheelers for passenger transport and announced plans to add a negative-point scheme for traffic violations.
At a ceremony unveiling a pilot scheme that offers free medical screening for drivers and high-risk construction staff, Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari urged every state to legalise bike taxis, arguing the move would generate employment for many rural residents. He highlighted that transport policy rests with states and some have yet to allow private scooters or motorcycles to carry passengers. Gadkari also announced that the ministry intends to revise the Motor Vehicles Act to create a negative-point system, where each traffic breach adds points that could eventually trigger licence suspension or cancellation.
The pilot project will be implemented along a 150-km corridor of NH-44 between Nagpur and Kamptee and in the Chandrapur mining belt, with a goal of reaching several thousand participants. He emphasized the importance of better health services for drivers, noting that eye-care and other issues are critical given the nature of their work. The proposed legislation aims to curb habitual traffic offences and promote safer driving habits.
Why it matters
The proposals could reshape rural employment and road safety by legalising bike taxis and tightening licence penalties.
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