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Karnataka Bike Taxi Ban Spurs ‘Jugaad’: Rapido Rebrands as Parcel Service to Skirt Court Order

• ByStartupStory     |    June 17, 2025

In the wake of Karnataka’s bike taxi ban, Bengaluru commuters and ride aggregator Rapido have embraced an unconventional workaround, “parcel rides.”

Following the Karnataka High Court’s June 13 ruling to uphold a ban on two-wheeler taxi services operated by platforms like Rapido, Uber, and Ola, citing violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, Rapido quickly pivoted. The platform is now offering “bike parcel” courier services, allowing individuals to book themselves as parcels and continue commuting under the guise of deliveries, as reported by NDTV.

This creative workaround or desi jugaad has become a viral talking point on social media, where users shared screenshots and memes in support of Rapido’s move. One user quipped, “Since the Karnataka govt. banned bike taxis, Uber & Rapido have renamed their bike services to Bike Parcel & Moto Courier. So now you can book a ride, identify as a parcel & get yourself delivered to your destination.” Another dubbed the workaround PaaS Passenger as a Service, adding, “Can’t book a ride? No worries just parcel yourself to work.”

The workaround underscores Bengaluru’s ongoing mobility crisis, with many citizens frustrated over the government’s stance. Bike taxis have long been a vital, affordable mode of transport in the city’s notorious traffic gridlock. Critics argue that banning them, instead of regulating them, disproportionately impacts daily wage workers, students, and those without access to private vehicles.

The court has refused to lift the suspension unless the state brings in specific regulatory guidelines something the government currently appears reluctant to do. The matter is scheduled for a further hearing on June 24.

However, the workaround hasn’t come without controversy. A video surfaced on social media this week allegedly showing a Rapido rider assaulting a woman passenger. The incident, said to have occurred on June 13, involved a jewellery store employee confronting the rider for rash driving. The rider has reportedly been taken into custody.

While Rapido’s “parcel” hack is currently keeping Bengaluru’s commuters moving, its legality and longevity remain in question. The workaround highlights both the innovative spirit of Indian startups and the urgent need for clear regulations that address the evolving landscape of urban mobility.

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