Bharat Taxi: India’s First Cooperative Ride-Hailing Platform Launches
The Ministry of Cooperation has announced the launch of Bharat Taxi, India’s pioneering cooperative-led ride-hailing service aimed at transforming the mobility sector. This innovative platform prioritizes drivers, referred to as Sarathis, placing them at the forefront of ownership and governance. Bharat Taxi not only promotes employment creation but also enhances drivers’ earning potential by offering a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregator models.
As a significant leap forward in the Government of India’s initiative to bolster the cooperative sector, Bharat Taxi aligns with the vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’, aimed at fostering inclusive mobility solutions for citizens. Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002, this platform was established on June 6, 2025, by eight national institutions focused on cooperative development.
Zero-Commission Model
Bharat Taxi distinguishes itself with a zero-commission business model, ensuring that profits are directly distributed to the drivers. This approach provides a homegrown alternative to investment-driven aggregator platforms, ensuring that both riders and drivers benefit without incurring additional fees. Currently, the service operates in Delhi NCR—including Delhi, Gurugram, Noida—and in select cities of Gujarat, such as Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Somnath, and Dwarka.
Impressive Growth and Future Plans
The app has already attracted a substantial user base, with 990,082 registered customers and over 300,000 drivers successfully completing nearly 292,000 rides. Looking forward, Bharat Taxi intends to expand its presence nationwide by 2029, rolling out in phases to include every state and major city across the country.
While no convenience or platform fees are charged to riders or drivers via the app, a nominal 7% service charge applies at airport prepaid booths to cover operational costs. Bharat Taxi also emphasizes social security for its drivers through comprehensive health and accident insurance, retirement savings plans, and a supportive driver assistance network.
Empowering Drivers and Promoting Equality
The platform operates help centers in seven locations across Delhi, providing rapid assistance and verified ride data. Importantly, it promotes inclusivity and empowerment, highlighted by initiatives like “Bike Didi”, which has already seen over 150 women drivers join the platform. Drivers have the flexibility to work with other platforms, free from exclusivity constraints, further enhancing their employment opportunities.
Bharat Taxi’s ambitious plans include expanded help centers in every state and enhanced integration with national digital public infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable, inclusive, and cooperative-driven mobility ecosystem in the future. The Union Minister for Home and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, shared these insights in a recent Lok Sabha session, marking a significant milestone in the push towards cooperative enterprises in India.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
