India’s ride hailing space has mostly been dominated by private aggregators. I used to think nothing could really challenge that structure. But Bharat Taxi feels different. Not flashy. Not hype driven. Just structured around a cooperative system that quietly shifts power toward drivers.

Let us break down what Bharat Taxi actually is, how it works, and why the government backed model is being positioned as a long term alternative in Delhi NCR and Gujarat.

What is Bharat Taxi and how does this cooperative ride hailing model work in India

Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative led ride hailing platform registered under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. It was established on 6 June 2025 by eight national level cooperative institutions and later officially launched on 5 February 2026 in New Delhi at Vigyan Bhavan by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The platform works on a “Sarathi Hi Malik” (Driver is the Owner). Instead of treating drivers as contractors, Bharat Taxi places them at the center of governance, ownership, and value creation. The Ministry of Cooperation has positioned Bharat Taxi as part of the broader Sahkar se Samriddhi vision, focusing on employment generation, grassroots economic participation, and social security.

Operational cities and expansion roadmap of Bharat Taxi in Delhi NCR and Gujarat

Currently, Bharat Taxi is operational in:

As per official statements in Lok Sabha by Amit Shah, the platform already has:

• 990,082 registered customers
• Over 3 lakh registered drivers
• 291,665 rides completed

The long term roadmap includes a phased national rollout across all states by 2029, with dedicated help centres planned in every state.

Zero commission structure and pricing transparency of Bharat Taxi

One of the biggest structural differences is the zero commission model.

Currently:

• No platform fee
• No convenience fee
• No commission from drivers
• No hidden charges for riders

However, at airport prepaid booths operated by Bharat Taxi, a 7% service charge is applied to manage operational costs. Profits are directly distributed to drivers, making it a cooperative driven financial model rather than an investor driven aggregator structure.

Safety features and social security benefits under Bharat Taxi

Safety and welfare are not presented as marketing slogans but built into the framework.

Key rider safety features inside the app include:

• One tap SOS connected to local police control rooms
• Emergency contact alerts
• In app siren button
• Live ride tracking

For drivers, Bharat Taxi offers:

• Health insurance
• Accident insurance
• Retirement savings support
• Rapid emergency assistance
• Verified ride data
• Seven help centres in Delhi
• Freedom to work on other platforms without exclusivity

A women empowerment initiative called Bike Didi has already onboarded more than 150 women drivers.

Ride categories available on Bharat Taxi app in India

Bharat Taxi offers multiple ride types:

Payments can be made via UPI or cash.

Why Bharat Taxi could reshape India’s mobility ecosystem

I will be honest. Government backed platforms do not always succeed. But Bharat Taxi is attempting something structural. Instead of competing only on discounts, it competes on ownership model, social protection, and cooperative governance.

If scaled correctly, Bharat Taxi could redefine mobility as a citizen centric ecosystem rather than an investor centric marketplace. It is still early. Data shows traction, but national expansion by 2029 will be the real test.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Bharat Taxi

   Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative based ride hailing app established under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 and backed by the Ministry of Cooperation.

2. When was Bharat Taxi launched

   It was established on 6 June 2025 and officially launched on 5 February 2026 in New Delhi.

3. In which cities is Bharat Taxi available

   Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Somnath and Dwarka.

4. Does Bharat Taxi charge commission from drivers

   No. It follows a zero commission model. Only airport prepaid booths apply a 7 percent service charge.

5. How many users and drivers are registered

   990,082 customers and over 3 lakh drivers with 291,665 completed rides.

6. What safety features does Bharat Taxi provide

   SOS connection to police, emergency contact alerts, siren button and live tracking.

7. What social benefits are given to drivers

   Health insurance, accident insurance, retirement savings and support centres.

8. What is the long term plan of Bharat Taxi

   Nationwide rollout by 2029 with help centres in every state and deeper digital public infrastructure integration.