Bharat Taxi
Context:
In a major push towards the vision of 'Sahkar se Samriddhi' (Prosperity through Cooperation), the Ministry of Cooperation recently highlighted the launch and expansion of Bharat Taxi.
Officially launched on February 5, 2026, it is India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, designed to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional, commission-based aggregator models
Origin and Governance Structure:
Bharat Taxi was established on June 6, 2025, by eight national-level cooperative institutions and is registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
The platform operates as a multi-state cooperative society where drivers (referred to as "Sarathis") and vehicle owners are not just partners, but co-owners.
The society is administered by an elected Board of Directors, which mandates the inclusion of two elected driver representatives to ensure democratic oversight and protect drivers' interests.
Core Operational Model:
The initiative marks a paradigm shift from the conventional "driver-partner" model of gig-economy giants to a "Sarathi-owner" model.
Unlike existing aggregators, Bharat Taxi operates on a strictly zero-commission model.
All profits are directly distributed to the drivers, ensuring they retain their full earnings.
Technological Integration and ONDC:
A defining feature of Bharat Taxi is its technological interoperability via the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
The supply of Bharat Taxi rides is visible on various ONDC mobility demand brands, such as DigiHaat, Bob Rides, and OneTicket.
Any mobility demand platform on the ONDC network can plug into Bharat Taxi's supply.
Key Features:
The platform features a women-focused 'Sarthi Didi' initiative to boost female employment as drivers and enhance safety for women passengers (featuring SOS and live tracking).
Operational Footprint:
As of March 2026, it serves over 21 lakh users and 2.3 lakh registered Sarathis.
It is currently functional in Delhi NCR and select cities in Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Somnath, Dwarka), with plans to expand to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities down to the tehsil level over the next three years.