Key Points
- Launched Feb 5, 2026, Bharat Taxi aims to empower drivers via cooperative ownership.
- Drivers retain 100% of fare (minus a fee), eliminating high private commissions.
- Offers social security, fair earnings, and affordable, surge-free mobility.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is launched India’s first cooperative-sector ride-hailing service, “Bharat Taxi,” on February 5, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The initiative is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ and aims to promote inclusive, citizen-centric mobility while strengthening the cooperative movement in the country.
The platform is operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Ltd (STCL). It eliminates the high commissions charged by private players, ensuring that 100% of the fare (minus a nominal daily access fee) goes to the drivers, who are also shareholders of the cooperative.
Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, Bharat Taxi was established on June 6, 2025. It operates on a zero-commission, surge-free pricing model, with profits distributed directly among drivers. The platform is positioned as an indigenous alternative to foreign-funded ride-hailing aggregators and prioritises transparency and fairness.
Union Home Minister @AmitShah launched the Bharat Taxi initiative, India’s first cooperative ride-booking service, in New Delhi.#BharatTaxi pic.twitter.com/q93Jc8f3bb
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 5, 2026
Objectives:
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Driver Empowerment: To transform drivers from "gig workers" into "owners" (Sarathi Hi Malik) where drivers known as Sarathis are not just service providers but also stakeholders and owners in the cooperative, ensuring equitable profit-sharing and greater economic security.through a cooperative shareholding model.
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Fair Earnings: To eliminate exploitative commission structures which are often 25-30% and provide drivers with higher take-home pay.
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Social Security: To provide a safety net for commercial drivers, including health insurance, accident cover, and retirement savings.
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Affordable Mobility: To offer citizens a reliable transport option free from unpredictable surge pricing.
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Digital Inclusion: To leverage India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to create a transparent, indigenous alternative to foreign-funded apps.
Also read: Bharat Taxi: How it Works, Registration Process and Where to Get Official App
What are the Key Features of Bharat Taxi App?
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Zero Commission Model: Drivers retain the full fare; they only pay a small, fixed daily subscription fee (approx. ₹30).
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Comprehensive Social Security: Registered "Sarathis" receive ₹5 lakh personal accident insurance and ₹5 lakh family health insurance.
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Diverse Ride Options: The app offers AC, Non-AC, Premium, and XL cabs, along with auto-rickshaws and bike taxis.
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Enhanced Safety: Deep integration with local police (including 35 dedicated booths in Delhi) and an emergency "SOS" assistance feature.
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‘Bike Didi’ Initiative: A dedicated program to empower women drivers, providing them with safe employment opportunities.
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Multi-Modal Integration: Connectivity with public transit systems like the Metro and dedicated stands at airports and railway stations.
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Multilingual Support: A user-friendly interface available in multiple Indian languages with 24/7 customer support.
Source: PIB
How to Register for Bharat Taxi
If you are looking to register as a driver (Sarathi) or want to download the app for your daily commute Here everything you need to know.
For Drivers (Sarathis):
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Download the App: Install the "Bharat Taxi Driver" app from the Google Play Store/Apple Play Store
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OTP Verification: Enter your mobile number and verify via OTP.
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Upload Documents: You will need to provide:
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Commercial Driving License (Yellow Badge)
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Aadhaar Card & PAN Card
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Vehicle Registration (RC) & Permit
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Valid Insurance & PUC Certificate
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Verification: After uploading, visit one of the 7 dedicated support centers (in Delhi/NCR) for physical verification and to collect your "Sarathi" share certificate.
For Passengers:
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Download the App: Search for "Bharat Taxi - Cab, Auto & Bike" on the App Store or Play Store.
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Sign Up: Enter your name and mobile number.
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Book a Ride: Set your pickup and drop location. You can choose from Bharat Auto, Bharat Bike, Cab Economy, or Sedan.
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Payment: Pay via UPI, Cash, or the in-app wallet.
How Bharat Taxi is different from Ola, Uber etc.
| Feature | Bharat Taxi | Ola / Uber / Rapido |
| Ownership | Cooperative, Drivers are shareholders and co-owners. | Corporate, Mostly owned by private/foreign investors. |
| Commission | 0%: Drivers keep 100% of the fare. | 20% to 30%, Deducted from every ride. |
| Pricing | No Surge, Fixed, transparent rates. | Dynamic, prices spike during peak hours or rain. |
| Driver Status | Partner/Owner, entitled to dividends and voting rights. | Contractor, No stake in the company’s profits. |
| Social Security | Included, built-in health and accident insurance. | limited, often requires separate opt-ins or is unavailable. |
| Exclusivity | Freedom, drivers can use other apps simultaneously. | Restrictive, often incentivizes exclusive platform use. |
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