650 Owner-Drivers to Launch Bharat Taxi Pilot in Delhi This November

New Delhi — India’s first cooperative ride-hailing platform, Bharat Taxi, is preparing to begin its pilot phase in the capital this November with a fleet of 650 vehicles owned and operated by driver-members.

The project, led by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, marks a significant step toward reshaping urban mobility through a cooperative model that prioritizes driver ownership and fair earnings. The Delhi pilot will serve as a test run for platform operations and user experience before expanding to key cities including Mumbai, Pune, Bhopal, Lucknow, and Jaipur.

According to officials, the cooperative plans to onboard 5,000 drivers by the end of this year and gradually scale the network to 1 lakh drivers across India by 2030.

Unlike conventional ride-hailing services, Bharat Taxi allows drivers to retain their full fare earnings. Instead of paying high commissions, members contribute a small cooperative membership fee, ensuring that profits remain within the community of drivers.

The initiative has received support from major cooperative and financial organizations including NCDC, IFFCO, AMUL, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NABARD, NDDB, and NCEL. It also aligns with the Digital India mission, featuring integration with DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu to provide secure, transparent, and efficient digital services.

With its upcoming pilot in Delhi, Bharat Taxi is positioning itself as a driver-first alternative that combines cooperative values with modern mobility needs setting a new direction for India’s ride-hailing sector.