In a landmark move to empower drivers and provide commuters with a transparent alternative to private aggregators, the Centre has launched “Bharat Taxi,” India’s first cooperative taxi service. The initiative, developed under the Union Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), aims to challenge existing cab giants like Ola and Uber.
For years, passengers have voiced complaints against app-based taxi services — ranging from inflated fares and dirty vehicles to arbitrary cancellations and unpredictable surge pricing. Drivers, too, have faced growing dissatisfaction, often losing up to 25% of their income in commissions to private platforms.
Bharat Taxi seeks to address these issues with a no-commission, cooperative model. Instead of paying hefty commissions, drivers will contribute a small membership fee — daily, weekly, or monthly — ensuring they retain full control over their earnings.
The pilot phase of Bharat Taxi will begin in November in Delhi with 650 vehicles, all operated by their owner-drivers. Following the pilot, a nationwide rollout is planned for December, expanding to other major cities. Officials said that 5,000 drivers, including both men and women, will participate in the initial phase.
Over the next year, Bharat Taxi is expected to operate in 20 cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Bhopal, Lucknow, and Jaipur. By March 2026, the government aims to establish its presence in all major metro regions, and by 2030, the cooperative plans to include over 1 lakh drivers, extending services to district headquarters and rural areas.
Bharat Taxi will be managed by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, established in June 2025 with an initial capital of ₹300 crore. The platform’s governance will rest with a newly formed council chaired by Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul). Rohit Gupta, Deputy Managing Director of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), will serve as Vice Chairman.
Officials say Bharat Taxi represents a new era in India’s cooperative movement — one that blends digital innovation with the cooperative ethos, ensuring fair pay for drivers and reliable service for passengers.
