Context

Recently, India launched Bharat Taxi, a government-backed cooperative ride-hailing platform aimed at transforming urban mobility and providing an alternative to private aggregators such as Ola and Uber.

Background

Urban mobility in India has largely been dominated by private app-based platforms. While these services offer convenience, they have faced criticism for high commission charges, surge pricing, and limited earnings for drivers. To address these concerns, the Ministry of Cooperation promoted a cooperative-led model under Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, enabling drivers to become stakeholders rather than mere contractors.

Launch and Initial Rollout

Bharat Taxi witnessed a soft launch in December 2025 in Delhi NCR and Gujarat. The official rollout in February 2026 made the service more widely accessible.

• Delhi NCR: Chosen due to its dense population and high demand for cab services.
• Gujarat: Selected for its strong cooperative tradition, offering a conducive environment for a driver-owned mobility model.

Key Features and Operational Model

• Cooperative Structure and Driver Ownership:
  Drivers, known as Sarathis, hold shares in the cooperative. The platform follows a zero-commission model, charging only a nominal daily fee (around ₹30), allowing drivers to retain a higher share of their earnings.
• Service Offerings:
  The app offers two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and cabs (economy, sedans, and XL categories). Features include verified driver profiles, emergency support, and coordination with local police authorities.
• Pricing and Passenger Benefits:
  Transparent and surge-free pricing, with fares up to 30% cheaper than private aggregators, benefits passengers while ensuring fair compensation for drivers.

Impact in Delhi NCR and Gujarat

• Driver Empowerment:
  Thousands of drivers benefit from profit-sharing, social security coverage, and cooperative support networks, aligning with national priorities on worker welfare and inclusive growth.
• Competition and Market Dynamics:
  Bharat Taxi introduces a credible alternative to private aggregators, with the potential to influence pricing structures and service quality across the ride-hailing market.
• Challenges:
  Initial feedback indicates concerns related to pricing competitiveness and service reliability when compared to well-established private platforms.

Conclusion

Bharat Taxi represents a significant step towards reimagining urban mobility in India by blending cooperative principles with digital innovation. Delhi NCR and Gujarat function as pilot regions to refine operational efficiencies and address early challenges before a potential nationwide expansion.