Green SM's Bengaluru entry sparks row, cab drivers allege rules bypassed

Résumé détaillé

Green SM's planned Bengaluru launch has prompted driver groups to challenge its aggregator licence. The dispute has put Karnataka's approval process and taxi operators' livelihoods under scrutiny.

Vietnam-based VinGroup's electric taxi service, Green SM, is set to enter Bengaluru, triggering a controversy after driver associations accused Karnataka's Transport Department of bypassing mandatory rules while granting the company an aggregator licence.

As many as 100 Green SM electric taxis have already been registered at the Indiranagar Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Bengaluru. The company, which has expanded its operations in Delhi and Hyderabad, is reportedly preparing for a larger rollout in Karnataka.

However, driver associations have alleged that the aggregator licence was issued in violation of a 2016 Karnataka High Court order and without fulfilling mandatory conditions. These include installing digital meters and taxi roof signs, and ensuring drivers have valid driving licences and police verification certificates.

The associations have lodged a complaint with Transport Minister Bhairathi Suresh, demanding action against officials allegedly responsible for overlooking the rules.

During a meeting with the representatives, the minister said he was unaware of the licence being issued and immediately contacted Transport Department Commissioner Selvamani to seek details about Green SM and the conditions under which the licence was granted. He directed officials to produce the relevant files for scrutiny.

The minister also warned that companies, including Ola and Uber, could be asked to leave Karnataka if they were found violating transport regulations.

Meanwhile, the driver associations have claimed that Green SM has already brought more than 5,000 new cabs to warehouses in Bengaluru and is preparing to introduce another 10,000 vehicles.

They fear that the entry of thousands of additional taxis could affect the livelihoods of existing cab owners and drivers by reducing their business and making it difficult for them to repay vehicle EMIs.

The associations have urged the state government to intervene and safeguard the interests of existing taxi operators.

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