Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah has clarified that Bharat Taxi, India's pioneering cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, is designed to be an alternative mobility solution rather than a direct competitor seeking to eliminate private aggregators like Ola and Uber.
A Driver-Centric Cooperative Model
Launched as "Sarathi Hi Malik" (driver is owner), Bharat Taxi operates on a model where drivers become member-shareholders by paying a nominal fee, typically around ₹500. This structure allows drivers to retain nearly all their fare earnings, a stark contrast to conventional aggregators that often deduct 20-30% in commission.
The platform, managed by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL), also promises several benefits for its drivers, known as "Sarathis." These include surge-free pricing for passengers, direct bank transfers of earnings, and enhanced social security provisions such as insurance coverage and access to various gig-worker schemes.
No Government Funding, Broad Cooperative Support
Addressing inquiries in the Lok Sabha on August 4, Shah confirmed that Bharat Taxi has received no financial assistance, equity support, or incentives from the government for its establishment or expansion. The initiative is entirely self-funded within the cooperative framework, supported by eight major national cooperative institutions:
- NCDC (National Cooperative Development Corporation)
- IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited)
- Amul (Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation - GCMMF)
- KRIBHCO (Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited)
- NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd.)
- NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)
- NDDB (National Dairy Development Board)
- NCEL (National Cooperative Export Limited)
Commitment to Safety and Fair Fares
Passenger safety is a core focus, with stringent verification processes for both Sarathis and their vehicles before onboarding. The app incorporates features like an SOS button, the ability to share journey details with trusted contacts, and encrypted storage of customer data, adhering to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 and the IT Act 2000.
Fares are determined through a transparent framework developed in consultation with state transport authorities, Sarathi representatives, and other stakeholders. This ensures that pricing revisions consider operational costs and local transport conditions. A dedicated call center and customer support team handle complaints and grievances from both passengers and drivers efficiently.
Rapid Expansion and Future Plans
Since its pilot launch, Bharat Taxi has rapidly grown to register over 8.27 lakh Sarathis as of July 28, 2026, with Delhi-NCR alone accounting for 2.61 lakh drivers. The service is currently operational in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh, offering cab, auto, and bike categories.
The expansion roadmap includes strategic tie-ups with airports, railway stations, and metro systems to bolster last-mile connectivity. STCL is responsible for the rollout of services in new cities and states, subject to operational requirements and necessary approvals.