In a significant move to empower commercial drivers, the Indian government has announced the launch of a new ride-hailing application named Bharat Taxi. This platform is designed as a direct competitor to private giants like Ola, Uber, and Rapido, offering a unique cooperative model owned entirely by drivers.
A Cooperative Revolution in Mobility
Cooperation Minister Amit Shah confirmed the development in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. He stated that the app aims to liberate the country's commercial vehicle drivers from their dependency on private corporations. The platform will be operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Ltd, a multi-state cooperative registered under the MSCS Act 2002.
This initiative is billed as the world's first national mobility cooperative fully owned by drivers, with no government financial stake. The cooperative already has a strong foundation, with over 51,000 registered driver-members from New Delhi and Saurashtra, making it the largest driver-owned platform even in its beta phase.
Key Features and Benefits for Drivers & Riders
The Bharat Taxi app entered a soft launch phase on December 2, starting in Delhi and Gujarat. Its beta version is available on the Google Play Store, with an iOS release expected soon. The service plans to integrate various transport modes, including two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, taxis, and cars, on a single platform to solve first and last-mile connectivity issues.
The app's salient features promise a user-friendly and secure experience:
- Simple mobile ride booking and a transparent fare system.
- A cooperative pricing model that ensures fairness.
- Live vehicle tracking and a multi-lingual interface for wider accessibility.
- Round-the-clock customer support and tech assistance.
- Secure, verified onboarding for both drivers and passengers.
- An enhanced safety framework developed in partnership with Delhi Police.
The core advantage for drivers is the cooperative structure. Drivers will retain 100% of their fare earnings, while also gaining board representation, receiving annual dividends, and a share in the cooperative's overall profits.
Funding and Future Roadmap
The venture is backed by the Multi-State Sahakari Taxi Cooperative Ltd, formed on June 6, 2025. This entity is a consortium of eight major Indian cooperatives, including prominent names like IFFCO, GCMMF (Amul), NABARD, and NCDC. The project is entirely funded through cooperative means, leveraging collective strength to compete in the lucrative ride-hailing market.
The vision for Bharat Taxi is to operate as a single, pan-India platform. It seeks to provide drivers with fair and sustainable earnings while offering passengers a reliable, safe, and transparent alternative for their daily commute.
