The Ministry of Cooperation on April 01, 2026, notified Launch and Operational Framework of Bharat Taxi.
The Ministry has introduced Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, aimed at empowering drivers (Sarathis) through ownership, governance participation, and fair income opportunities. Established on June 6, 2025 under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, and launched on February 5, 2026, the platform promotes a cooperative-based mobility model aligned with the vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi.”
Bharat Taxi operates on a subscription-based, zero-commission model, ensuring transparent fares and eliminating intermediary exploitation. Drivers are members and stakeholders, benefiting from better earnings, participatory decision-making, and access to social security, while commuters receive safe and affordable ride services. As of March 23, 2026, around 4.31 lakh drivers have joined, with operations in Delhi-NCR and cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Surat, and expansion underway in Chandigarh and Lucknow.
The initiative is supported by institutional cooperation and digital infrastructure within the cooperative ecosystem. While facing challenges such as competition from established aggregators and digital adoption barriers, the government is addressing these through training, awareness, and e-governance tools. Bharat Taxi plans phased expansion to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, districts, and tehsils, focusing on sustainable livelihoods, social security, and long-term empowerment of driver-partners.
[Release ID: 2247824]
