Union home and Cooperation minister Amit Shah officially launched Bharat Taxi, marking a historic moment in India’s ride‑hailing and mobility sector. Positioned as the country’s first cooperative‑led taxi platform, this service aims to transform how drivers and passengers engage with app‑based transport — offering an alternative to major private operators like Ola and Uber.

🚕 What Is Bharat Taxi?

Bharat Taxi is a government‑supported, cooperative ride‑hailing platform that is registered under the Multi‑State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. Unlike traditional taxi apps where drivers are independent contractors, here the drivers — called “Sarathis” — are stakeholders and co‑owners of the cooperative.

This cooperative model means:

Drivers are shareholders with a stake in profits.

Commission and surge pricing are eliminated — drivers keep a larger share of earnings.

Fares are expected to be significantly lower than competitors, making rides more affordable for users.

Amit Shah highlighted the ethos of the initiative with the slogan “Sarathi Hi Malik” — the driver is the owner — underscoring its focus on empowering drivers and supporting equitable growth.

🛠️ Key Features & Benefits

✅ Driver‑Centric Cooperative Model

Drivers are not just service providers but cooperative members and owners.

Profit distribution goes directly to drivers, promoting economic participation.

📉 Zero Commission & No Surge Pricing

Bharat Taxi operates without taking commissions from drivers.

It also removes surge pricing, benefiting riders with transparent and fair fares.

💰 Driver Welfare & Social Security

Drivers receive ₹5 lakh personal accident insurance and ₹5 lakh family health insurance.

Retirement savings options and a dedicated support system are part of the platform’s long‑term driver benefits.

🚗 Wide Range of Vehicle Options

Users can book vehicles across segments — cars, three‑wheelers, and two‑wheelers — through the Bharat Taxi app.

👩‍🦽 Women‑Focused Initiatives

Programs like “Bike Didi” have encouraged women drivers to join, empowering them with safe employment opportunities.

📍 Current Status & Expansion Plans

The service initially launched in the Delhi‑NCR region and Gujarat after a successful pilot phase that began in December 2025. During the pilot, more than 3 lakh drivers joined the platform and 10,000+ rides were completed daily, indicating a strong early adoption.

Amit Shah announced that Bharat Taxi will be expanded nationwide over the next two to three years, with the goal of becoming accessible in all indian states and Union Territories.

📊 Why It Matters

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Empowering the Gig Economy

Bharat Taxi’s cooperative model seeks to redistribute value back to drivers, offering them ownership and a fair share of earnings in contrast to traditional ride‑hailing aggregators where drivers often receive a smaller portion after commission.

🪪 Fairer Pricing for Riders

With zero commissions and no surge pricing, passengers may benefit from more affordable rides compared to competing platforms.

📈 Boosting Cooperative Movement

The launch data-aligns with government efforts to strengthen the cooperative sector, highlighting how cooperative businesses can operate in the wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital economy with inclusive participation.

📌 Looking Ahead

As Bharat Taxi begins its national rollout, its success will be closely watched as a potential game‑changer in India’s mobility landscape. If widely adopted, it could offer a more equitable alternative to private ride‑hailing services while uplifting driver livelihoods and expanding affordable transport options for commuters across the country.

 

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