The government-backed Bharat Taxi application is set for its official nationwide rollout by the end of January, following a highly successful pilot phase in the national capital. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Cooperation, aims to create a fairer ecosystem for drivers and riders, directly competing with private aggregators like Ola and Uber.
Strong Pilot Response Paves Way for Launch
A senior official from the Cooperation Ministry confirmed the launch timeline, citing an encouraging response during the soft launch. Panjak Kumar Bansal, Additional Secretary in the ministry, stated that the service received very positive feedback. The pilot commenced in Delhi on 2 December 2025, and the data since then has been promising.
During the trial period, the app recorded an average of 5,500 rides daily. A significant portion, about 4,000 rides per day, originated from the airport, while another 1,500 came from various other locations across the city. The service offered multiple categories, including cab, auto, and bike rides. Furthermore, over 1.4 lakh drivers have already registered on the platform, indicating substantial interest from the driver community.
What Makes Bharat Taxi Different?
Bharat Taxi is not a typical private startup. It is promoted by the Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, a consortium of eight major cooperative and financial institutions:
- NCDC
- IFFCO
- AMUL
- KRIBHCO
- NAFED
- NABARD
- NDDB
- NCEL
The Government of India, through the Ministry of Cooperation, acts as the chief promoter. Significantly, the cooperative's board includes two elected driver representatives, ensuring their voice in operations.
First announced by Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in March 2024, the app's core mission is to reduce drivers' dependence on private companies. The key differentiators are substantial:
- Zero Commission: Unlike private operators who charge 20-30% per ride, Bharat Taxi takes no commission from drivers.
- Profit Sharing: Drivers will receive annual dividends and a share in the cooperative's profits.
- No Surge Pricing: Riders are assured of fair, consistent pricing without peak-hour surges.
- Enhanced Benefits: Drivers are offered insurance cover and other welfare benefits.
Features and Broader Vision
The app is designed as a multi-modal platform, offering rides on two-wheelers, rickshaws, taxis, and other four-wheelers. For user safety and convenience, it includes live location tracking, driver verification, and a ride-sharing feature to alert family or friends.
In a move towards integrated urban mobility, the app has been synced with other transit services like the Metro. It has also established a partnership with the Delhi Police to bolster security for both passengers and drivers.
Minister Amit Shah has positioned this initiative as more than just a transport app. He envisions it as a major generator of employment opportunities and a driver of prosperity in rural areas, empowering a vast network of commercial vehicle drivers across the country. The official launch later this month marks a significant shift in India's ride-hailing landscape.
