New Delhi is set to witness a groundbreaking moment in urban mobility as the government-backed ‘Bharat Taxi’ service kicks off operations today. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has enthusiastically endorsed the launch, emphasizing how this cooperative model will empower drivers by making them owners and boosting their earnings with dignity.
Speaking on social media platform X ahead of the inauguration, Shah highlighted the platform’s cooperative ethos. ‘Bharat Taxi exemplifies how collective small investments can spark massive ventures,’ he posted. ‘This is a historic day for taxi drivers, who will now earn more profits and own the service with pride. Excited to join the launch in New Delhi.’
Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ vision, Bharat Taxi marks a pivotal step in strengthening India’s cooperative sector. It positions drivers—affectionately called ‘Sarathis’—at the heart of ownership, operations, and value creation, freeing them from exploitative aggregator models prevalent in the ride-hailing industry.
The launch event will honor the top six performing Sarathis for their contributions to the cooperative mobility ecosystem. Minister Shah will personally hand over share certificates, reinforcing the ‘Sarathi hi Maalik’ principle. Each honoree will receive Rs 5 lakh personal accident insurance and Rs 5 lakh family health coverage, underscoring Bharat Taxi’s commitment to driver welfare and long-term social security.
Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed with key public and private stakeholders to enhance operational integration, digital empowerment, safety, and service delivery. Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, and established on June 6, 2025, Bharat Taxi operates on a zero-commission, surge-free pricing model. Profits are directly distributed to drivers, positioning it as a homegrown alternative to foreign-funded aggregators.
Prioritizing social security, the platform offers health and accident insurance, retirement savings, and a dedicated driver assistance system. Seven help centers operate across key Delhi locations. It provides instant emergency support, verified ride data, and freedom for drivers to work on other platforms without exclusivity clauses. Initiatives like ‘Bike Didi’ promote women empowerment, with over 150 female drivers already onboard.
Since inception, Bharat Taxi has grown into the world’s largest cooperative ride-hailing platform and driver-owned mobility service. Nearly 400,000 drivers have joined, over 1 million users are registered, and around Rs 10 crore has been directly disbursed to drivers—heralding a new era of fair, inclusive transportation in India.