The Government has introduced Bharat Taxi, a cooperative ride-hailing platform for drivers, beginning with services across major cities in Gujarat. Launched by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah in Gandhinagar, the initiative aims to provide drivers with direct ownership, lower operational dependence on private aggregators and an alternative model for app-based mobility services.
The Bharat Taxi platform was formally launched in Gandhinagar on June 27 by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah. The cooperative mobility service will initially operate across Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot and other urban centres in Gujarat, covering two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws and four-wheelers.
Positioning the initiative as a driver-owned platform, Shah said the cooperative model seeks to recognise drivers as stakeholders rather than service providers working for app-based companies. He noted that more than seven lakh drivers associated with the platform would participate as owners, with the objective of improving income opportunities while offering passengers dependable transport services.
According to the announcement, Bharat Taxi will not rely on private corporate ownership. Instead, it has been structured under the cooperative framework, with profits intended to support driver welfare, insurance protection and long-term business development. Shah also said the platform is expected to expand beyond Gujarat and target operations in more than 500 cities over the next two years, with services planned in seven additional cities before July 31.
During the launch, Shah criticised pricing practices followed by some ride-hailing platforms, stating that sudden fare reductions aimed at increasing market share often create long-term challenges for drivers. He said Bharat Taxi would focus on transparent operations while maintaining service quality for commuters.
To strengthen the ecosystem around the initiative, Bharat Taxi signed memorandums of understanding with Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation, Gujarat State Cooperative Bank, Traffic Police, Ahmedabad Airport and Western Railway. These partnerships are expected to support service integration and operational coordination.
The platform has also received backing from several cooperative organisations and government agencies involved in transport, digital services and financial inclusion. Officials said the initiative reflects the government’s broader effort to expand cooperative models into emerging sectors while creating new livelihood opportunities for self-employed workers.
If implemented as planned, Bharat Taxi will represent one of the country’s largest cooperative mobility networks, combining digital ride-booking technology with a driver-owned operating structure.
Source: This article is based on an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India
Press Release Page | Press Information Bureau
