Uber, Ola warned about using bikes as taxis in New Delhi: Officials

It has been reported that Uber and its rival Ola are violating local transport rules by providing two-wheeler bike taxis in New Delhi.

Digital companies operating in India's capital were asked to "immediately stop" allowing personal bike taxis to offer commercial, ride-hailing services on their apps, according to newspaper ads released on Feb. 19.

Ashish Kundra, principal secretary and commissioner for transport in Delhi government, last week sent warning notices for non-compliance to Uber and Ola, asking them why they should not be penalised. The companies were given a week to respond.

Noncompliance with the regulations could result in fines of up to 100,000 rupees ($1,209), according to a newspaper advertisement published on Feb. 19. For drivers of bike taxis, the penalties could be as high as 10,000 rupees ($121) and a jail term of up to one year.

The enforcement of rules for bike taxis by Delhi government follows similar moves by Maharashtra and Karnataka states.

According to Delhi official Kundra, the use of personal vehicles as bike taxis is not allowed under city rules, but poses a safety risk because drivers are not subjected to the same checks as commercially registered vehicles.

"The rider could be anyone and we have to be mindful of concerns around passenger safety, especially women," Kundra said. "Companies cannot ride roughshod over law."