Bharat Taxi Begins Pilot Operations in Two States, 51,000 Drivers Registered

New Delhi — India’s first cooperative ride-hailing application, Bharat Taxi, has started pilot operations across two states, marking a key step in the rollout of a driver-owned mobility platform. The initiative has already registered 51,000 drivers, reflecting strong early participation from the driver community.

Operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, Bharat Taxi follows a cooperative ownership model that places drivers at the centre of the platform. The pilot phase is currently underway in Delhi and parts of Gujarat, where the service is being tested for operational readiness, rider experience, and system stability.

Unlike conventional ride-hailing platforms, Bharat Taxi operates on a zero-commission structure during its initial phase. Drivers retain the full fare earned from each trip and participate as cooperative members rather than contractors, a model aimed at protecting income and long-term sustainability.

Officials involved in the rollout said the pilot will help refine services before a wider public launch. The cooperative plans to expand operations to additional cities once the testing phase concludes, with a focus on building a large, driver-led mobility network.

With tens of thousands of drivers already onboarded, Bharat Taxi is positioning itself as a cooperative-driven alternative in India’s rapidly growing ride-hailing sector, backed by large-scale participation and a focus on fair earnings.

New Delhi — A new phase of competition has begun in India’s app-based taxi sector with the launch of Bharat Taxi, the country’s first ride-hailing platform built on a cooperative ownership model. Inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi,” the service rolled out its pilot operations on Wednesday across Delhi and Gujarat, positioning itself as a direct challenger to established players such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido.

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Bharat Taxi is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited and is backed by eight major cooperative institutions. Prominent organisations including Amul, IFFCO, NABARD, and NDDB are among the key promoters, providing the platform with strong institutional support.

Driver onboarding has gained rapid momentum during the pilot phase. Registrations began across Delhi and parts of Gujarat, and more than 51,000 drivers signed up within just ten days. In Delhi, services covering cars, auto-rickshaws, and bike taxis are already operational, while registrations continue across the Saurashtra region in Gujarat.

The cooperative structure is designed to improve income security for commercial drivers and reduce their dependence on privately owned ride-hailing platforms. At the core of the model is a zero-commission system. According to chairman Jayen Mehta, drivers receive the entire fare from every trip, with no deductions. Any surplus generated by the cooperative will be shared among its members, who are the drivers themselves. This approach stands in contrast to private platforms that typically charge commissions ranging from 20 to 30 percent.

For passengers, the platform offers a range of features focused on transparency and safety. These include clear fare visibility, live trip tracking, multilingual support, round-the-clock customer service, and both cash and digital payment options. The service also includes a safety partnership with Delhi Police. Officials said the app is being integrated with metro and other public transport systems to support door-to-door connectivity.

Following the initial pilot, Bharat Taxi is expected to expand in phases across the country, as the cooperative looks to scale its driver-owned mobility network nationwide.