On Thursday, 5 February 2026, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah formally launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
Established on June 6, 2025, and operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL), the app positions drivers, referred to as “Sarathis”, as the actual owners rather than mere gig workers. Following a successful two-month pilot in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat with 3 lakh registered drivers, the platform officially debuted with a zero-commission and surge-free model.
Unlike private giants that take a 20–30% cut, Bharat Taxi ensures 100% of the fare goes to the driver, charging only a nominal fixed daily access fee of ₹30 to maintain operations.
Bharat Taxi
Bharat Taxi is inspired by the successful cooperative structures of Amul and IFFCO, aiming to shift power from foreign-investment-backed aggregators to local communities.
Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, the platform is backed by eight major cooperative institutions, including NABARD and NDDB. During the launch, Minister Amit Shah distributed share certificates to top-performing drivers, reinforcing the “Sarathi Hi Malik” (The Driver is the Owner) philosophy.
This indigenous alternative is designed to be “citizen-centric,” passing on the savings from the zero-commission framework to passengers, making fares up to 30% cheaper than competitors like Uber and Ola.
Social Security
Beyond economic benefits, the platform provides a robust safety net for drivers and passengers alike. Every registered Sarathi is entitled to ₹5 lakh in personal accident insurance and ₹5 lakh in family health insurance, alongside access to affordable loans and subsidies.
Safety is bolstered through MoUs with nine major institutions, including the Delhi Traffic Police and DMRC, featuring in-app SOS buttons, real-time tracking, and verified driver data.
A standout feature is the “Sarathi Didi” initiative, which has already onboarded over 200 women drivers to provide a dignified livelihood and safer transit options for female commuters.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that the launch of Bharat Taxi represents a vital step toward a more equitable gig economy. By replacing exploitative commissions with a cooperative ownership model, the initiative restores dignity to the thousands of individuals who form the backbone of urban mobility.
For too long, technology has been used to centralise profits; seeing it used here to distribute wealth among workers is a refreshing change.
We advocate for the nationwide expansion of such models, as they foster a spirit of coexistence and mutual progress. When a driver earns with pride and a passenger travels with ease, the entire social fabric of the city strengthens.
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