The Union Ministry of Cooperation has unveiled Bharat Taxi, an innovative ride-hailing platform established under a cooperative model, designed to enhance the livelihoods of drivers, referred to as Sarathis.
This initiative was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a response presented to the Lok Sabha. Bharat Taxi, a cooperative entity functioning within the framework of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002, was launched on June 6, 2025, through a collaboration of eight national cooperatives.
Current Operations and User Engagement
The platform is currently operational in the National Capital Region (NCR) including Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida, as well as in selected cities in Gujarat such as Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Somnath, and Dwarka.
As per statistics provided by the Public Information Bureau, Bharat Taxi has registered approximately 990,082 customers and over 300,000 drivers, with a total of 291,665 rides completed. This cooperative venture seeks to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional ride-hailing services dominated by investment-driven aggregator models.
Zero-Commission Model and Driver Benefits
Bharat Taxi adopts a zero-commission framework, ensuring direct profit distribution to its drivers, which marks a significant departure from conventional platforms. While no platform or convenience fees are levied on riders or drivers within the app, a nominal 7% service charge is applied at airport prepaid booths to mitigate operational expenses.
The cooperative also prioritizes social security measures for its drivers, incorporating health and accident insurance, retirement savings plans, and emergency assistance. Additionally, dedicated support centers are being established to assist drivers.
Inclusivity and Future Expansion Plans
In line with its commitment to driver empowerment, the platform allows its drivers the flexibility to work with other ride-hailing services without exclusivity agreements. Efforts to promote gender inclusivity in the sector are also underway, highlighted by the “Bike Didi” initiative, which has successfully onboarded over 150 women drivers.
Looking toward the future, the Ministry of Cooperation has laid out plans for a comprehensive national rollout by 2029. This strategy includes the establishment of assistance centers in every state, enhancements to social security programs for drivers, and integration with the national digital public infrastructure to facilitate a cooperative-led mobility ecosystem.