In Mysuru, a concerning situation has emerged as a section of train commuters has come forward with allegations of harassment and threats by autorickshaw drivers against passengers who opt to book bike taxis near the city railway station. This issue has gained significant attention following a recent viral video on social media that depicted autorickshaw drivers attacking a youth, sparking a heated public debate over passenger safety and freedom of choice in urban transport.
Frequent Incidents and Commuter Concerns
Commuters have reported that such incidents are not isolated but occur frequently, creating an atmosphere of fear and inconvenience. They have strongly demanded strict police intervention to ensure the safety of passengers and to uphold their right to choose affordable and convenient transport options. Many express frustration over the aggressive tactics employed by some auto drivers, which they say undermine the competitive transport ecosystem in the city.
Activist and User Perspectives
Ravi Keerthi Gowda, a local activist, highlighted that the targeting of bike taxi riders and passengers by autorickshaw drivers is a longstanding issue on railway station premises. He explained, "That is why the bike taxi captains often ask us to come outside the station for pick-up to avoid confrontations. This persistent problem needs urgent addressing to prevent further escalations."
Echoing these concerns, Ramesh Bhat, another regular bike taxi user, pointed out that the harassment extends beyond the railway station. "Bike taxi drivers face intimidation even near city bus stands, forcing them to operate in fear due to the actions of a few trouble-creating auto drivers," he said. Bhat emphasized that in Mysuru, many bike taxi captains are unemployed youth and students who rely on this work for their livelihood, making the issue not just about transport but also about economic opportunities.
Affordability and Economic Tensions
Bhat further noted that after the recent revision of auto fares, bike taxis have become a very affordable alternative, especially for solo travelers. "For those traveling alone, these bike taxis are more suitable and cost-effective. However, auto drivers often target them, alleging that bike taxis eat into their income, leading to conflicts and violence," he added. This economic tension underscores the broader challenges in balancing traditional and modern transport services in urban areas.
Police Response and Actions
In response to the growing concerns, the railway police have informed that they regularly issue warnings to autorickshaw drivers against harassing bike taxi riders or passengers. They disclosed that a petty case was registered in connection with a recent assault on a train passenger who had booked a bike taxi. "Earlier also, we warned the auto driver against blocking or abusing the bike taxi riders," the police stated, indicating ongoing efforts to curb such incidents through legal and preventive measures.
Despite these actions, commuters and activists argue that more robust enforcement is needed to deter future harassment and ensure a safe environment for all transport users. The debate continues as stakeholders call for collaborative solutions to address the root causes of these conflicts, including fare regulations, driver behavior, and public awareness campaigns.
