Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah officially launched India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing service, ‘Bharat Taxi’, on February 5, 2026. The launch event took place at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. This new service is designed to compete with private giants like Ola and Uber by offering a fairer model for both drivers and passengers. According to official information, fares on Bharat Taxi will be up to 30 percent lower than existing platforms, providing much-needed relief to daily commuters.
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How is Bharat Taxi different from Ola and Uber?
The biggest difference lies in the operating model. Bharat Taxi is owned by the drivers themselves under a cooperative structure. It operates on a ‘Zero-Commission’ model, which ensures that the hard-earned money stays with the drivers. Private companies often deduct a significant portion of the fare as commission, but here, the profit goes back to the community.
Another major relief for passengers is the ‘No-Surge Pricing’ policy. Often, private apps increase prices drastically during rain or office hours. Bharat Taxi has promised standard rates regardless of demand. This initiative is managed by the Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited under the Ministry of Cooperation.
What are the benefits for Drivers and Commuters?
The government has focused heavily on social security for drivers, who are referred to as “Sarathis”. Top-performing drivers will receive personal accident insurance of ₹5 lakh and family health insurance of ₹5 lakh. Since the pilot phase began in December, over ₹10 crore has already been distributed to drivers.
- Cheaper Rides: Commuters will pay approximately 30% less compared to other apps.
- Higher Earnings: Drivers will retain 80% to 100% of the fare earnings directly.
- Wide Reach: The service is currently active in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, with 10,000+ daily rides recorded during the pilot.
- Future Plans: The government plans to expand Bharat Taxi nationwide within the next 2-3 years.
