Amit Shah Unveils Bharat Taxi: India's First Cooperative Ride-Hailing Platform
In a significant development for India's mobility sector, Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah officially launched Bharat Taxi on Thursday. This marks India's inaugural cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, following a successful two-month pilot phase that demonstrated substantial potential.
Nationwide Expansion Plans Announced
The service has been initially introduced in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, with ambitious plans for nationwide coverage. Shah announced that within the next two to three years, Bharat Taxi will expand to all states and Union Territories across the country.
"In three years, Bharat Taxi will be rolled out across the country, from Kashmir to Kanniyakumari and Dwarka to Kamakhya," Shah declared during the launch ceremony.
Cooperative Model with Driver Ownership
Shah emphasized that this initiative represents a cooperative movement rather than government intervention in the taxi sector. "I clarified that the government is not entering the taxi sector; this is a cooperative initiative, and the taxi drivers themselves are its owners," he stated.
The minister highlighted that every driver associated with Bharat Taxi cooperative will have ownership rights, ensuring the platform works exclusively for their welfare. "I said that when this cooperative taxi initiative began, we did not realise how big it would become, but in the coming years it will grow across the country and benefit taxi drivers," Shah added.
Unique Business Model and Market Entry
Bharat Taxi enters a market currently dominated by private players like Uber, Ola, and Rapido, offering a distinctive cooperative alternative. Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, on June 6, 2025, the platform operates on a zero-commission, surge-free pricing model.
All earnings are distributed directly among drivers, positioning Bharat Taxi as an indigenous alternative to foreign-funded ride-hailing platforms. The service allows users to book:
- Cars
- Three-wheelers
- Two-wheelers
Impressive Pilot Performance and Driver Benefits
Backed by eight leading cooperative organizations, Bharat Taxi began pilot operations on December 2 in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat. According to PTI reports, the platform has already achieved remarkable traction:
- Over 3 lakh drivers have joined the platform
- More than 1 lakh users have registered
- Over 10,000 rides are completed daily in the two regions
- Approximately Rs 10 crore has been distributed directly to drivers
Shah noted that Bharat Taxi has emerged as the world's first and largest cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, as well as the largest driver-owned mobility platform globally.
Comprehensive Social Security for Drivers
The platform places strong emphasis on social security for drivers, who are referred to as 'Sarathis'. Benefits include:
- Health insurance coverage
- Accident insurance protection
- Retirement savings plans
- Dedicated support system
This comprehensive approach ensures that drivers receive not only immediate financial benefits through profit sharing but also long-term security and welfare support.
The launch of Bharat Taxi represents a transformative moment in India's ride-hailing ecosystem, introducing a cooperative model that prioritizes driver ownership and welfare while offering consumers an indigenous alternative to existing platforms.
