Bharat Taxi launched as India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform
New Delhi: The Ministry of Cooperation launched Bharat Taxi as India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, placing drivers at the centre of ownership and profit sharing, it told the Lok Sabha.
The Ministry said the initiative aimed to strengthen cooperatives as tools of employment and grassroots economic participation. Therefore, Bharat Taxi positioned drivers, known as Sarathis, as owners and decision-makers. Officials said the model offered a dignified alternative to aggregator-driven platforms and aligned with the vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi”.
Bharat Taxi registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, on June 6, 2025. Eight national-level cooperative institutions promoted the platform. Moreover, the service adopted a zero-commission model. Under this system, drivers received profits directly. As a result, the platform emerged as a homegrown alternative to investment-led aggregators.
Currently, Bharat Taxi operates in Delhi NCR, covering Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida. In addition, it runs services in Gujarat cities such as Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Somnath, and Dwarka. So far, the application recorded 9,90,082 registered customers and over 3 lakh registered drivers. Together, they completed 2,91,665 rides.
Bharat Taxi strengthens driver welfare and expansion plans
The Ministry clarified that Bharat Taxi does not charge convenience fees, platform fees, or commissions through the app. However, airport prepaid booths run by the platform apply a 7% service charge to meet operational costs.
At the same time, Bharat Taxi prioritised social security for Sarathis. It provided health insurance, accident insurance, and retirement savings support. Additionally, it operated driver help centres at seven locations in Delhi and offered rapid emergency assistance with verified ride data. Drivers also retained the freedom to work on other platforms without exclusivity.
The platform actively promoted women empowerment through initiatives such as “Bike Didi”. Under this programme, over 150 women drivers joined the service. Officials said the effort aimed to increase women’s participation in the mobility sector.
Looking ahead, Bharat Taxi planned phased expansion across all States to achieve national presence by 2029. Furthermore, the roadmap included setting up help centres in every State, strengthening driver welfare, and integrating with national digital public infrastructure. The Ministry said these steps would support an inclusive and cooperative-driven mobility ecosystem.
Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah shared this information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
