Green SM's Bangalore expansion triggers row over taxi regulations

Green SM has completed registration of 100 electric taxis at the Indiranagar Regional Transport Office in Bangalore, marking the company's formal entry into Karnataka's ride-hailing market. The electric vehicle operator is now preparing to roll out services across the city as part of its expansion plans in South India.

However, the registration has triggered opposition from local taxi driver associations, who have raised questions about the regulatory approval granted to Green SM. The unions have contested the aggregator licensing process, arguing that the company's authorization bypassed established procedures and protocols governing ride-hailing services in the state.

Local taxi organizations claim the rapid approval threatens the livelihoods of conventional taxi operators already struggling amid growing competition from aggregator platforms. Representatives have called for a review of the licensing decision and stricter enforcement of regulations governing app-based taxi services in Karnataka.

The controversy underscores ongoing tensions between traditional taxi services and new mobility platforms in Indian cities. Regulators in Bangalore and Karnataka have not yet responded to the unions' objections regarding Green SM's licensing and operational approval.