The Central Government has announced the launch of Bharat Taxi, the country’s first cooperative cab service designed to rival private platforms like Ola and Uber. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division, will begin its pilot phase in Delhi next month with around 650 cabs.
Bharat Taxi will operate under the Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd., following a cooperative model where drivers are members and co-owners instead of contract workers. This means drivers will pay only a small membership fee, avoiding the high commission cuts of 25–40% that are common on other platforms.
For passengers, the new service promises transparent and affordable fares, no surge pricing, and the convenience of using the app in multiple Indian languages. Bharat Taxi also aims to create a fair environment for both riders and drivers, ensuring better treatment and accountability.
Following the Delhi pilot, the cooperative plans to expand operations to major Indian cities, targeting nearly 5,000 drivers by the end of the year. The service hopes to address long-standing issues such as high commissions, frequent cancellations, and unpredictable fare hikes faced by both drivers and passengers.
Reports suggest that Bharat Taxi will be overseen by a council featuring key cooperative leaders, including Amul Managing Director Jayen Mehta. The project is seen as part of the government’s broader push to strengthen India’s cooperative sector and promote self-reliant, people-driven business models.
