The government announced that the Bharat Taxi platform has provided drivers with over Rs 35 crore in earnings, requiring only about Rs 5 crore in investment. This initiative has created job opportunities for nearly 20,000 drivers and 200 support staff. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Bharat Taxi for its cooperative model, emphasizing its role in driver empowerment and fostering inclusive growth in the mobility sector.
Bharat Taxi, described as India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, focuses on placing drivers, known as ‘Sarathis’, at the core of ownership and decision-making. Unlike traditional app-based cab services, Bharat Taxi operates on a cooperative structure where drivers are members and stakeholders, enabling them to keep the entire earnings from their rides.
The platform operates on a subscription-based model, eliminating commission charges for drivers and ensuring transparent and fair income distribution. Passengers are only charged trip fares based on distance and time, without any additional convenience fees or surge pricing. Bharat Taxi was established under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, on June 6, 2025, and officially launched on February 5, 2026.
The service is currently available in Delhi-NCR and cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Somnath, and Dwarka in Gujarat. Expansion to other states and Union Territories will occur gradually, subject to approvals and operational readiness. To join, drivers must own a vehicle, possess a valid driving license, and purchase at least one share in the cooperative, which has an authorized share capital of Rs 300 crore.
This cooperative structure allows for democratic participation, enabling members to engage in crucial decisions concerning operations and management. The government highlighted that the Bharat Taxi project has not only increased driver incomes significantly but also provided a sustainable and respectable alternative to aggregator-based models.
