Transport Minister should intervene: Vikrant Kapoor
JAMMU, May 12: Vikrant Kapoor, State President of the Hindustan Shiv Sena, has demanded that the government immediately withdraw the recently imposed ban on Rapido services in Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that this move has created significant challenges for the youth, drivers, and daily commuters who rely on this service.
The J&K Transport Department declared the service illegal on the grounds that Rapido does not possess a valid aggregator license under the J&K Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2023. Vikrant Kapoor has also urged Transport Minister Satish Sharma to intervene in this matter and ensure the immediate lifting of this ban.
Vikrant Kapoor made these remarks while interacting with journalists during a press conference held in Jammu. He stated that since these services had been operational for the past 5–6 months, why did the government suddenly find it necessary to impose a ban on them overnight? He added that the government ought to allow some time for this matter. He noted that the ban has given rise to numerous difficulties for those associated with the service. He further added that many young individuals—including students and unemployed graduates—regarded Rapido as their primary source of income. The abrupt suspension of the service has deprived thousands of people of their daily earnings. He further pointed out that some riders had specifically purchased two-wheelers on EMI (Equated Monthly Installments) for the sole purpose of working as bike-taxi partners. Due to the loss of income generated through the app, they now face the looming threat of defaulting on loan repayments and having their vehicles seized. Moreover, in a region grappling with a high unemployment rate, the ‘gig economy’ (temporary employment) had offered people an accessible avenue to engage in work. The suspension of this service has eliminated an employment opportunity that was remarkably easy to access and join.
He stated that Transport Commissioner has directed officials to take strict action against anyone found continuing to provide this service. Riders caught using private vehicles for commercial purposes will face heavy fines and their vehicles will be impounded.
Vikrant Kapoor noted that since this service has been deemed unauthorized, commercial insurance coverage will not be applicable in the event of any accident occurring during a ride; consequently, both the rider and the passenger are left legally and financially vulnerable.
He added that Rapido was often the only affordable means of accessing interior lanes and areas not served by public buses or traditional taxis. He pointed out that commuters are now compelled to rely on auto-rickshaws or private taxis which are significantly more expensive than bike taxis. For many students and low-income workers, this constitutes a major financial blow.
In congested areas such as Jammu city and Srinagar, bike taxis were highly favored for their ability to swiftly navigate through traffic. Now, users are experiencing longer commute times.
He argued that while the government cites safety concerns and legal frameworks as the basis for this ban, the immediate consequence has been the loss of livelihood for thousands of people, making commuting for the general public both more expensive and less convenient. He warned that if this ban is not lifted immediately, the Hindustan Shiv Sena will launch a vigorous agitation against it.
Present at the press conference were Ramesh Gupta Senior State Vice President and Jammu & Kashmir In-charge of the Hindustan Shiv Sena, Senior Leader Parveern Gupta, Sunil Debgotra, jeevan Sharma along with Rakesh, Baba Ram Kaith, Abhishek, Himanshu, Amit, Women’s Wing Leader Babita Pandata.