New Delhi – Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah today launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, at Vigyan Bhawan. The app follows the ‘Sarathi Hi Malik’ model, where drivers own the platform, keep all fares, and get social security benefits. It starts in Delhi-NCR and plans to go nationwide in the next three years.
Bharat Taxi offers cabs, autos, and bike taxis at fixed rates up to 30% lower than Ola, Uber, or Rapido. There is no surge pricing and no commission per ride. Drivers pay only a small daily fee and become shareholders in the cooperative.
The launch marks a big step to help drivers earn more and give passengers fair, affordable rides. Over 3 lakh drivers have already joined during the pilot phase.
Amit Shah Launches Bharat Taxi at Vigyan Bhawan
Amit Shah formally launched the app at 3 PM in the presence of more than 1,200 drivers, called Sarathis. He honoured six top-performing drivers and gave them share certificates. He also signed MoUs with cooperative organisations.
Shah said, “In three years, Bharat Taxi will be rolled out across the country, from Kashmir to Kanniyakumari and Dwarka to Kamakhya.” He added that the government is not running the taxi business – the drivers themselves are the owners.
The platform is run by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act. It was set up on June 6, 2025, and backed by the Ministry of Cooperation and big cooperatives like IFFCO, Amul, NABARD, and others.
Understanding the ‘Sarathi Hi Malik’ Model
‘Sarathi Hi Malik’ means the driver is the owner. Every driver who joins buys minimum 5 shares (total ₹500) and becomes a member of the cooperative. They get voting rights, dividends when the platform earns profit, and a direct share in the business.
Instead of taking 20-30% commission like other apps, Bharat Taxi charges only a fixed daily fee – ₹30 for cars and ₹18 for autos. The full fare goes straight to the driver. After some time, the cooperative may keep a small amount for running costs, but most profits will be shared back with drivers.
Drivers can still work on Ola, Uber, or Rapido – no exclusivity.
Key Benefits for Drivers
Drivers get much more than just fares:
- Personal accident insurance of ₹5 lakh
- Family health insurance of ₹5 lakh
- Pension and retirement savings support
- Easy loans for buying vehicles
- 24/7 support centres (already working at 7 places in Delhi)
- Around ₹10 crore has already been paid directly to drivers during the pilot
More than 150 women drivers have joined through the ‘Bike Didi’ initiative.
Advantages for Passengers
Passengers will enjoy:
- Fixed rates with no surge pricing, even during peak hours
- Fares up to 30% lower than other apps
- Options for bike taxi, auto, AC cab, non-AC cab, premium, and XL cab
- Easy booking through the app
- Safe rides with verified drivers and emergency SOS button
Example fares (approximate):
- Short ride (up to 4 km): Flat ₹30
- Mid distance: Around ₹23 per km
- Long distance: Around ₹18 per km
How Bharat Taxi Stands Out from Ola, Uber and Rapido
| Feature | Bharat Taxi | Ola/Uber/Rapido |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | Zero (only ₹30/day fee) | 20-30% per ride |
| Surge Pricing | No | Yes |
| Driver Ownership | Yes (shares & profit share) | No |
| Insurance & Pension | ₹5 lakh + pension | Limited or none |
| Fares | Up to 30% lower | Higher with surge |
Drivers say they will earn more because they keep 100% of the fare minus the small daily fee.
Safety Features and Women Empowerment
The app has strong safety tools:
- SOS button that connects to police and family
- Verified driver and vehicle records
- Option to choose women drivers
- Integration with Digital Public Infrastructure (DigiLocker, UMANG)
- 35 dedicated police booths in Delhi for quick help
The ‘Bike Didi’ programme encourages women to become bike taxi drivers and earn safely.
Pilot Phase Success in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat
The pilot started on December 2, 2025, in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat. Results have been very good:
- More than 3 lakh drivers joined
- Over 1 lakh users registered
- More than 10,000 rides every day
- ₹10 crore already given to drivers
The app worked smoothly and drivers reported higher earnings.
Plans for Nationwide Expansion
Bharat Taxi will first cover Delhi-NCR fully. Then it will go to other states and cities. The target is to reach every corner of India in 2-3 years. Support centres will open in every state.
Quotes from Union Minister Amit Shah
- “Sarathi Hi Malik – the driver is the owner.”
- “This is not a government taxi service. Drivers are its owners.”
- “Profits will be shared directly with drivers.”
- “No private cab aggregator can give this kind of ownership to drivers.”
Many drivers at the launch event said they feel respected and hopeful for the first time.
FAQs
Q1. What is Bharat Taxi?
It is India’s first cooperative ride-hailing app where drivers own the platform.
Q2. How much does a driver pay?
Only ₹30 per day (₹18 for autos). No commission on rides.
Q3. Is there surge pricing?
No. Rates are fixed and transparent.
Q4. How to download the app?
Search “Bharat Taxi – Cab, Auto & Bike” on Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS).
Q5. Can drivers work on other apps too?
Yes, no problem.
Q6. What insurance do drivers get?
₹5 lakh accident insurance and ₹5 lakh family health insurance.
Q7. Are fares really cheaper?
Yes, up to 30% lower than other apps.
Q8. When will it be available in my city?
Starts in Delhi-NCR now. Full India rollout in 2-3 years.
Q9. How do women drivers benefit?
Special ‘Bike Didi’ programme with safety focus.
Q10. Is the app safe?
Yes, with SOS button, verified drivers, and police support.