India is set to witness the launch of its first government-backed ride-hailing service, Bharat Taxi, offering a safe, technology-driven and cooperative-based alternative to private cab services like Uber and Ola. The service is scheduled to begin with a pilot project in Delhi this November, followed by a phased rollout across other parts of the country starting in December.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Cooperation in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division, aiming to combine the principles of cooperative ownership with modern digital mobility solutions. Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, which will operate the platform, was established in June this year with a funding of Rs 300 crore. The cooperative model ensures that drivers are not just service providers but co-owners, giving them a direct stake in decision-making and the platform’s growth.
During the initial Delhi pilot, 650 drivers will be onboarded, including 100 women drivers, known as ‘sarathi’. The platform plans to expand this number significantly, with 5,000 drivers expected in the first nationwide expansion and a long-term vision to include 15,000 female drivers by 2030. To support this, free training programs and special insurance coverage for women drivers will be provided starting November 15.
Passengers will access the service via a mobile app, similar to existing ride-hailing apps. The app will be available in multiple languages, including Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and English, catering to India’s diverse population. One of the key features of Bharat Taxi is its driver-focused financial model. Drivers will retain 100% of the fare earnings, paying only a simple daily, weekly or monthly subscription fee to the cooperative. "This approach is designed to ensure transparency, improve earnings and empower drivers", say officials.
The service will be governed by a council chaired by Amul MD Jayen Mehta, with NCDC Deputy Managing Director Rohit Gupta as vice-chairman, alongside eight representatives from cooperative societies across the country. The first board meeting was held on October 16 to set strategic and operational guidelines for the platform.
Officials from the Transport Department of Punjab, said, “Bharat Taxi will initially focus on Delhi to ensure smooth operations and high-quality service. The first meeting regarding its launch and functioning has already been done. The pilot project will then be expanded to other parts of the country in phases, gradually creating a safe and inclusive transport ecosystem nationwide.”
The platform’s roadmap is ambitious. By March 2026, operations are expected to expand to Rajkot, Mumbai, and Pune, followed by Lucknow, Bhopal, and Jaipur later that year. By 2027–28, Bharat Taxi aims to cover 20 cities with 50,000 drivers and integrate services with FASTag for streamlined payments. By 2030, the service is expected to operate nationwide, including district headquarters and villages, engaging 100,000 drivers and providing a multi-state, technologically integrated mobility solution.
Bharat Taxi also emphasizes passenger safety and digital integration. The platform will connect with government services like DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu, ensuring secure operations, accurate verification, and transparent fare mechanisms. "With these features, the government aims to address long-standing safety concerns associated with private taxi services, while also providing a structured, sustainable model for driver welfare", say officials within transport department.
Experts say that Bharat Taxi’s cooperative framework could redefine India’s ride-hailing sector by balancing technology, public oversight and driver empowerment.
