Karnataka taxi unions slam night curfew during ‘peak time’

The Karnataka state government’s order to impose night curfew between December 24 and the morning of January 2 has found strong opposition from taxi unions in the state who have argued that the clampdown is “arbitrary” and will severely hurt the already ailing cab business.

The state government on Wednesday issued guidelines stating that movement of taxis and auto-rickshaws would be allowed only for picking up and dropping passengers from transit points like bus stations, train stations and airports. Passengers will have to display valid tickets to be allowed to move freely.

Drivers on popular ride-hailing platforms Uber and Ola voiced their protest against the night curfew in the state, saying that the period between Christmas and New Year is a peak time for them, and they were looking forward to higher earnings after suffering months of depressed business.