Hampi witnessed a massive show of strength on Monday as over 450 autorickshaws from Hampi, Kamalapura, Kaddirampura, and Hospet took to the streets, honking their way through temple roads and bustling circles before converging near the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Their demand? A crackdown on what they call the “illegal menace” of bike rentals operating in and around the heritage town.
The protest, led by the Federation of Karnataka Auto Rickshaw Drivers Unions (FKARDU-CITU, AIRTWF) and the Vijayanagara District Auto Drivers Association, has brought to light a deepening rift between two local travel forces: the traditional auto drivers who have served tourists for decades and the emerging bike rental companies that promise freedom, flexibility, and affordability to visitors.
According to union leader Santosh Kumar K.M., some Bengaluru-based bike rental firms have set up unauthorized franchises in Hampi, Kamalapura, and nearby villages without proper departmental approval, a direct violation of the Rent a Motorcycle Scheme 1997.
“Licenses issued in Bengaluru are being misused here under the name of franchises. There’s no permission to shift or sublet these licenses. These operations are not only illegal but also hurting local livelihoods,” he said during the rally.
Auto drivers argue that the unchecked rise of rental bikes is eating into their daily income. With hundreds of tourists opting for self-driven scooters instead of autos, drivers claim they are being pushed to the edge, especially in an area where tourism is the main source of income.
“This isn’t just about rules; it’s about survival,” said an auto driver from Kamalapura, gripping his placard tightly. “Tourists used to negotiate, chat, and trust us for local rides. Now, they ride off on rented scooters, and our meters don’t move.”
But the other side tells a different story.
Tourists and local homestay owners argue that bike rentals have made exploring Hampi far more convenient, especially in a spread-out region where monuments are miles apart. Many feel autorickshaw fares are unregulated and often steep, making rental bikes a practical alternative.
“Not everyone can afford multiple auto rides in a day,” said a tourist from Pune. “A scooter gives us freedom, we can stop where we want, spend time where we wish. It’s part of the Hampi experience now.”
Interestingly, even some local guesthouses and resorts are allegedly offering their own bikes to guests, a move the union claims is both illegal and unsafe.
“Hotel owners and individuals are renting bikes without any trade license or insurance compliance. If an accident happens, who takes responsibility?” questioned Santosh Kumar.
The union has demanded that the Transport Department cancel licenses issued to Bengaluru-based firms operating locally without approval and take legal action against illegal rentals in Hampi, Kamalapura, Kaddirampura, and Anegundi.
As the sun set behind the ruins, the protest ended, but the question lingered.
Are Hampi’s auto drivers right to defend their means of livelihood, or are they resisting change in a tourism industry evolving toward convenience and independence?
Because on the winding roads of Hampi, the battle between tradition and technology has just begun.