Bharat Taxi, a government-backed cooperative ride-hailing platform, has begun pilot operations in Delhi and Gujarat, signaling a major shift in how cab services may evolve in India. Operated by the Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited and supported by the Ministry of Cooperation and NeGD, the platform is designed as a people-first alternative to Uber and Ola — built on driver ownership, zero commission, and transparent pricing.
At the core of Bharat Taxi is its cooperative structure. Drivers, called Saarthis, are not just service providers but shareholders with voting rights and a say in policy decisions. By eliminating commissions, the platform allows drivers to retain 100% of their earnings, while passengers benefit from fixed, no-surge fares.
The digital-first service integrates with government apps such as DigiLocker and UMANG, streamlining verification and improving the user experience. Since its beta launch in November 2025, more than 51,000 drivers have joined, far surpassing early membership numbers seen in global cooperatives. In Delhi, around 650 drivers have begun initial operations, with nationwide expansion planned by the end of 2025.
As part of the government’s broader “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” vision, Bharat Taxi represents a new model of cooperative-led digital enterprise — aiming to provide fairer incomes for drivers, reliable pricing for commuters, and a sustainable alternative to corporate-dominated ride-hailing.
