A government-backed ride-hailing app, Bharat Taxi, is set to make its nationwide debut on January 1, 2026, marking the entry of a cooperative-led alternative to private platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido. The initiative is being driven by the Ministry of Cooperation and is positioned as a driver-owned model aimed at reducing dependence on commission-heavy aggregators.
The app was confirmed earlier this month by cooperation minister Amit Shah during a Parliament session, where he said the platform is designed to give drivers greater control over their earnings and working conditions.
Bharat Taxi is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, a national mobility cooperative promoted by eight major cooperative and financial institutions. These include NCDC, IFFCO, AMUL, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NABARD, NDDB and NCEL. The Government of India, through the Ministry of Cooperation, is the chief promoter.
The cooperative is being described as a driver-owned national mobility platform, with ownership resting entirely with its members. It currently has more than 51,000 registered drivers, mainly from New Delhi and the Saurashtra region.
One of the core differences between Bharat Taxi and existing private ride-hailing platforms lies in its revenue model. While most aggregators charge drivers a commission ranging from 20% to 30% per ride, Bharat Taxi does not levy any commission. Drivers receive the full fare amount for every trip.
In addition to retaining 100% of ride earnings, driver-members are eligible for board representation, annual dividends and a share in the cooperative’s overall profits, according to information shared by the platform.
The app has already seen a soft launch across parts of Delhi and Gujarat earlier this month. It is currently available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. Passengers can access the Bharat Taxi app, while drivers can register through the Bharat Taxi Driver app.
From January 1, the platform is expected to be available nationwide. It will offer services across multiple vehicle categories, including two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, taxis and four-wheelers, mirroring the range offered by private competitors.
Bharat Taxi says it follows a transparent fare structure without surge pricing. The app includes live location tracking, driver verification and options for riders to share trip details with family or friends. It also offers round-the-clock customer support and technology-enabled assistance.
The platform has partnered with Delhi Police to strengthen its safety framework. Drivers are also covered by insurance and are allowed to generate additional income by running advertisements on their vehicles.
Speaking recently, Amit Shah said the cooperative model could create new employment opportunities and help improve incomes, particularly in rural areas. How effectively Bharat Taxi can scale up and compete with established private players will become clearer once nationwide operations begin in January.
