Bharat Taxi Launched: Amit Shah Unveils India’s First Cooperative Ride-Hailing App

In a major boost to India’s cooperative movement and gig workers’ welfare, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has launched the Bharat Taxi App, an indigenous, driver-owned ride-hailing platform designed to put earnings and dignity back into drivers’ hands. Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. Established in June 2025, it offers a homegrown alternative to foreign-funded aggregators.

The platform follows a zero-commission, surge-free pricing model, ensuring that drivers receive maximum benefits from every ride.

Shah’s Vision: From Kashmir to Kanyakumari

Addressing thousands of driver representatives, Amit Shah said the Sahkar Taxi initiative aims to become a nationwide welfare model within three years.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming Bharat Taxi into a major support system for “Sarathis” across the country, strengthening both livelihoods and cooperative participation.

Putting Drivers First

Bharat Taxi prioritises the social and financial security of its drivers through health and accident insurance, retirement savings schemes, dedicated driver support centres, rapid emergency assistance and verified ride data.

Drivers are also free to work on other platforms, as there are no exclusivity clauses.

To encourage women’s participation, Bharat Taxi has introduced initiatives like “Bike Didi.” So far, more than 150 women drivers have joined the platform, creating new opportunities in the mobility sector.

Strong Growth and Impressive Reach

Since its launch, Bharat Taxi has grown rapidly, emerging as the world’s largest cooperative-based and driver-owned mobility platform.

Key milestones include: Over 3 lakh registered drivers, more than 1 lakh users, around 10,000 daily rides in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat and nearly ₹10 crore disbursed directly to drivers.

Support centres currently operate at seven locations in Delhi, providing on-ground assistance to drivers. The platform also plans deeper integration with India’s digital public infrastructure to improve efficiency and transparency.

Roadmap for Nationwide Expansion

Over the next two years, Bharat Taxi plans to expand to all states and major cities, set up support centres nationwide, strengthen social security frameworks and build a sustainable, cooperative mobility ecosystem.  This expansion aims to make Bharat Taxi a truly pan-India platform.

With over 1,200 Sarathis participating in the launch programme, the initiative reflects growing trust in the cooperative model and strong confidence among drivers nationwide.

Bharat Taxi represents a shift in India’s mobility landscape, one that prioritises fairness, transparency, and collective growth. By empowering drivers and promoting cooperative ownership, the platform sets a new benchmark for inclusive transportation.

(With inputs from ANI)