Table of Contents Show
India’s transportation sector is poised for a transformative shift as the government prepares to officially launch Bharat Taxi in January 2026. Announced by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in a written response to the Lok Sabha on December 2, 2025, this state backed initiative represents a fundamental reimagining of the ride hailing business model that has long been dominated by private players.
A Driver First Approach
At the heart of Bharat Taxi’s philosophy lies a commitment to driver welfare. Unlike conventional ride hailing platforms that charge substantial commissions ranging between 20-25% per ride, Bharat Taxi operates on a cooperative framework where drivers pay only a nominal membership fee while retaining their entire earnings. This zero commission structure addresses a persistent grievance among commercial vehicle operators who have frequently protested against the financial burden imposed by existing platforms.
Institutional Foundation and Leadership
Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, the entity behind Bharat Taxi, was formally registered on June 6, 2025, under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act of 2002. With an initial capital infusion of ₹300 crore, the cooperative has secured backing from eight prominent agricultural and cooperative institutions: the National Cooperative Development Corporation, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited, National Dairy Development Board, and National Cooperative Exports Limited. Leadership of the initiative has been entrusted to Jayen Mehta, the managing director of Amul, whose organization exemplifies the success potential of the cooperative model in India.
Early Momentum and Expansion Plans
The platform’s pilot phase has demonstrated encouraging traction. Following a soft launch at Delhi International Airport on November 10, 2025, the driver application became operational in Delhi on November 13 and subsequently in Rajkot on November 26. The platform has successfully registered over 51,000 drivers across Delhi and Gujarat, indicating strong interest from the commercial vehicle community.
The government has outlined ambitious expansion targets for the coming years. Plans include extending services across 20 cities throughout 2026, with a long-term objective of onboarding 100,000 drivers by 2030. This measured approach allows for infrastructure development and operational refinement as the platform scales.
Technology and User Experience
Bharat Taxi promises a comprehensive digital experience with multilingual interface options, transparent fare structures devoid of surge pricing, real time vehicle tracking capabilities, and round the clock customer support. Integration with government digital platforms such as DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu further positions the service within India’s broader digital governance ecosystem. The platform also supports multiple vehicle types including cars, auto rickshaws, and two wheelers.
As January 2026 approaches, the ride hailing industry watches closely. Bharat Taxi’s success could establish a blueprint for cooperative based alternatives in various service sectors, potentially reshaping how platform economies function in India.
Also Read: Spinny Technologies Executes ₹450 Crore Cash and Stock Acquisition of GoMechanic Services
