India, June 3 -- The state government has ended a nine-year freeze on its rent-a-bike policy, a move likely to be welcomed by citizens and tourists, as well as the youth, who can benefit from a new income stream.

While the transport department is still finalising details such as hourly rental rates, it has announced key aspects of the policy. To offer two-wheelers on rent, an operator will need to secure a licence, which will cost Rs.1,000 annually. To qualify for the scheme, the operator must have at least five bikes to rent. They will be allowed to rent bikes only in the jurisdiction of their respective cities or districts," according to an official of the state transport department.

The rent-a-bike policy, chalked out by the central ...