Backed by the Ministry of Cooperation, Bharat Taxi is redefining app-based mobility through a zero-commission, driver-owned model, aiming to empower “Sarathis” with income security, social protection and nationwide expansion by 2029.
TFP Bureau, New Delhi, February 10, 2026: In a major push towards cooperative-driven economic empowerment and inclusive mobility, the Ministry of Cooperation has unveiled Bharat Taxi as India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform. Designed as a transformative alternative to aggregator-dominated models, Bharat Taxi places drivers—referred to as Sarathis—at the core of ownership, governance and value creation, aligning with the national vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’.
Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, Bharat Taxi was formally established on June 6, 2025, by eight national-level cooperative institutions. The platform operates on a zero-commission model, ensuring that drivers retain the full value of their earnings, with profits directly distributed among them. Unlike investment-driven ride aggregators, Bharat Taxi offers an indigenous, cooperative-based solution that prioritises dignity of labour, financial stability and democratic participation.
At present, Bharat Taxi services are operational in the Delhi NCR region—covering Delhi, Gurugram and Noida—and in several key locations in Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Somnath and Dwarka. According to official data, the platform has already registered over 9.9 lakh customers and more than three lakh drivers, who together have completed nearly 2.9 lakh rides, reflecting rapid adoption and growing public trust.
Importantly, Bharat Taxi does not levy any convenience fees, platform charges or commissions on either riders or drivers through the app. However, a nominal service charge of seven per cent is applied at airport prepaid booths operated by Bharat Taxi to meet operational expenses.
Beyond mobility, Bharat Taxi has placed strong emphasis on social security and welfare of Sarathis. Drivers are provided access to health and accident insurance, retirement savings mechanisms and a dedicated support system. The platform operates help centres at seven strategic locations in Delhi, offers rapid emergency assistance backed by verified ride data, and allows drivers the flexibility to work simultaneously on other platforms without exclusivity clauses.
Women empowerment is another key focus area. Through initiatives such as ‘Bike Didi’, the platform has already onboarded more than 150 women drivers, encouraging greater participation of women in the mobility workforce and promoting financial independence.
Looking ahead, Bharat Taxi has outlined an ambitious roadmap that includes phased nationwide expansion across all states and major cities by 2029. Plans also include setting up dedicated help centres in every state, strengthening driver-focused social security frameworks, and deeper integration with India’s digital public infrastructure to create a sustainable, inclusive and cooperative-driven mobility ecosystem.
The details of the initiative were shared by Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Shri Amit Shah in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to using cooperatives as instruments of employment generation, social security and grassroots economic participation.
