India Ushers in a New Era with Bharat Taxi: A Government-Supported Alternative to Uber
On February 5, 2026, India marked a significant milestone in ride-hailing services. Union Minister Amit Shah officially launched Bharat Taxi, the nation’s first cooperative-based, driver-owned mobility platform. This government-backed service is poised to rival established giants like Uber and Ola, but with a unique business model.
Bharat Taxi operates on a zero-commission structure, allowing drivers—referred to as ‘Sarathis’—to keep the full fares. The only cost they incur is a nominal Rs 30 ($0.36) daily app access fee. Furthermore, each driver holds five shares in the cooperative, effectively making them co-owners of the platform. Officials project that fares could be up to 30% cheaper than competitors, with no surge pricing.
Following successful pilot operations in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat that kicked off in December 2025, the platform already boasts over 400,000 registered drivers and more than one million users. Bharat Taxi offers a variety of vehicle categories, including AC/non-AC taxis, auto-rickshaws, and two-wheelers. It also features integrated Metro transit planning.
Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act and backed by major cooperatives like Amul and IFFCO, Bharat Taxi provides drivers with health insurance, accident coverage, and retirement savings. The platform has ambitious plans for nationwide expansion over the next two years, with dedicated support centers being established across India.
Source: Business Today