India, Aug. 11 -- The Karnataka government has told the Supreme Court that motorcycles lack essential passenger-safety features, raising concerns around accident risks, insurance coverage and women's safety when used as taxis.

The arguments are part of the state's challenge to the Karnataka High Court's January 23 order, which cleared the way for bike taxi operations to resume. Karnataka moved the apex court against the HC order in April.

In its petition, the state argued that motorcycles should not be used to carry paying passengers without a comprehensive framework governing safety, insurance, and operating standards. It also cited road congestion, pollution, passenger security, and the higher fatality rate associated with two-wheeler...