India’s festival of colors, Holi, is just around the corner, and airfares have shot up. Meanwhile, ride-hailing giant Uber is set to appear before the Supreme Court of India to contest a ban on its bike taxi service in the southern state of Karnataka.
Air fares high on Holi
India’s airlines have started hiking up fare prices for flights during Holi, which falls on March 29 this year. They are raising ticket costs by up to 30% on some routes amid robust demand for travel during the festival, which is widely celebrated across the country.
Several airlines, including SpiceJet, IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India, have already increased the fares for travel in the week leading up to Holi. The fares are expected to remain high till April 5, a week after the festival.
The price surge has put travelers in a difficult spot, especially those who had booked their tickets well in advance. Many people are angry that airlines are charging exorbitant prices for festival travel, despite offering deep discounts at other times of the year.
Some experts say the price surge is due to the limited capacity of airlines, which have not been able to increase their fleet size in recent months due to the pandemic. Others speculate that the airlines are cashing in on the festive season to increase their profitability.
Either way, the high fares have prompted many people to reconsider their travel plans during the festival, while others are looking for alternative modes of transport.
Uber to go to court over bike taxi
Meanwhile, Uber is gearing up for a legal battle over its bike taxi service in Karnataka. The state government had banned bike taxis in 2016, citing safety concerns for passengers as well as the lack of a regulatory framework.
However, Uber has continued to operate its bike taxi service in other states where it is permitted, such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The ride-hailing giant has argued that bike taxis are a safe and affordable mode of transportation, especially in congested cities.
Uber has also said that bike taxis can help reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and can provide employment opportunities for thousands of people in the country.
However, the Karnataka Transport Department has maintained that bike taxis are not legal in the state, and has been cracking down on ride-hailing companies that offer the service.
Uber has now filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India, challenging the Karnataka government’s ban on bike taxis. The company has argued that the ban is arbitrary and discriminatory, and has requested the court to set aside the ban.
The case is likely to have far-reaching implications for the ride-hailing industry in India, which has been growing rapidly in recent years. Uber, along with its rival Ola, has been at the forefront of this growth, offering a range of services, including ride-hailing, bike taxis, and food delivery.
The outcome of the case could also affect other states that have banned bike taxis, as well as other ride-hailing companies that operate in the country.
Conclusion
Airfares have surged ahead of Holi, one of India’s biggest festivals, raising concerns among travelers who say they cannot afford the high prices. Meanwhile, Uber is set to appear before the Supreme Court of India to fight a ban on bike taxis in Karnataka, in a case that could have significant implications for the ride-hailing industry in the country. The outcome of this battle remains to be seen, but it is clear that both issues have serious implications for those who depend on these services.