Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah officially launched Bharat Taxi on Thursday, marking a significant shift in India’s ride-hailing landscape. This government-backed, cooperative-led platform is designed as a direct alternative to private aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Unlike the traditional commission-heavy models, Bharat Taxi operates on a driver-owned structure, empowering the “Sarathis” (drivers) while promising more affordable and stable pricing for commuters across the country.
The formal rollout follows a successful two-month pilot phase in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat. During the trial period, the platform facilitated over 10,000 daily rides and onboarded more than 3 lakh drivers. Established on June 6, 2025, and registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, Bharat Taxi is now positioned as the world’s largest driver-owned mobility platform, aiming to redefine the gig economy through the principle of “Sahkar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).
What Makes Bharat Taxi Different from Private Aggregators?
The primary differentiator for Bharat Taxi is its financial and ownership model. While private players typically charge 20% to 30% commission per ride, Bharat Taxi follows a zero-commission policy. Instead of a percentage-based cut, drivers pay a nominal flat daily fee of approximately ₹30 to access the platform. This ensures that the bulk of the fare goes directly into the driver’s pocket, significantly increasing their daily earnings.
Furthermore, Bharat Taxi eliminates the controversial surge pricing model. Passengers often face exorbitant fares during peak hours or bad weather on existing apps, but this new platform promises surge-free, transparent pricing. By removing the high commission costs, officials estimate that fares could be up to 30% cheaper for passengers compared to private competitors.
Empowering the ‘Sarathis’: Driver Ownership and Social Security
At the heart of the launch is the slogan “Sarathi Hi Malik” (The Driver is the Owner). Each registered driver holds five shares in the Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited, making them stakeholders rather than just contract workers. This transition from “gig worker” to “shareholder” is intended to provide long-term financial stability and dignity of labor to millions of commercial vehicle drivers.
Amit Shah emphasized the platform’s focus on social security during the launch event at Vigyan Bhavan. The government has integrated a robust welfare package for the Sarathis, which includes:
- Personal Accident Insurance: Cover of ₹5 lakh for every driver.
- Family Health Insurance: A ₹5 lakh cover ensuring medical security for the driver’s family.
- Retirement Savings: Dedicated systems for long-term financial planning.
- Non-Exclusivity: Drivers are free to work on other apps simultaneously, providing them complete professional autonomy.
Safety Features and Integration with Digital Infrastructure
Safety remains a top priority for the new service. Bharat Taxi is integrated with India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including DigiLocker and UMANG, for seamless driver verification and identity management. To enhance passenger security, the platform has partnered with local law enforcement; in Delhi-NCR alone, 35 special booths have been established in collaboration with the Delhi Police to address grievances.
The app provides real-time vehicle tracking, verified ride data, and an emergency assistance button that links directly to a 24/7 support system. For female commuters and drivers, the platform has introduced specialized initiatives like “Bike Didi” and “Sarathi Didi,” with over 150 women drivers already part of the ecosystem.
Expansion Plans and Future Outlook for Bharat Taxi
With the official launch today, Bharat Taxi plans an aggressive nationwide rollout. The Ministry of Cooperation aims to expand the service to every major state and city within the next two years. To support this growth, nine Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed today with various public and private stakeholders to strengthen digital empowerment, operational integration, and service delivery.
Currently, the app is available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store, offering a variety of vehicle categories, including AC/non-AC cabs, XL vehicles, auto-rickshaws, and bike taxis. As the cooperative movement enters the digital mobility sector, Bharat Taxi stands as a testament to the potential of indigenous, community-led solutions in the modern economy.
Note: Bharat Taxi is operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited and is supported by major institutions like IFFCO, Amul, NABARD, and NCDC.
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