India, Aug. 31 -- As many as 57 two-wheeler drivers and aggregators like Ola, Uber and Rapido whom they were working for were penalised on Friday evening as part of the state transport department's ongoing crackdown against bike taxis operating without necessary permits. Fines worth Rs.1.5 lakh were levied on the errant drivers and aggregators and those continuing to violate rules were likely to lose their licenses permanently, said officials.

The state government is currently in the process of formulating a policy on bike taxi aggregators, and a draft policy is under consideration of the department of law and judiciary. While the transport department has directed aggregators and operators to obtain requisite licenses for operating bike ...