In a bold and transformative step for India’s urban mobility sector, eight major cooperatives have come together to launch ‘Bharat’ Taxi, a cooperative-driven ride-hailing service set to challenge industry giants like Ola and Uber. Backed by a massive ₹300 crore capital investment, this initiative aims to redefine the ride-hailing landscape with a focus on fairness, affordability, and community ownership.
The service will be operated by the Multi-State Sahakari Taxi Cooperative Ltd, an umbrella body formed to unify cooperative efforts in the transportation sector. Prominent institutions like the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), and Amul are among the key backers, signaling a strong support base rooted in India’s cooperative movement.
Unlike existing private-sector ride-hailing platforms that charge drivers significant commissions, Bharat Taxi will operate on a commission-free model. This structure ensures that drivers receive the bulk of their earnings directly, improving their livelihoods and making the profession more sustainable. At the same time, passengers will benefit from affordable and transparent fares, eliminating the price surges and opaque fee structures that have often drawn criticism toward private operators.
Currently, 200 drivers have been onboarded in the pilot phase, with plans for aggressive expansion in the coming months. The service’s full-fledged India-wide mobile app is expected to launch by the end of 2025, enabling a seamless booking experience for customers across the country.
The cooperative has also engaged the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) and a leading technology consulting firm to design its long-term strategy, operational blueprint, and expansion model. The approach aims to blend cooperative principles with cutting-edge technology, ensuring the platform is competitive both in service quality and scalability.
Industry observers view Bharat Taxi as more than just another ride-hailing option—it represents a paradigm shift in ownership and value distribution within the gig economy. By leveraging the cooperative framework, it seeks to empower drivers as stakeholders rather than mere service providers, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and mutual growth.
The move also aligns with the government’s push to strengthen India’s cooperative sector and promote self-reliant economic models. If successful, Bharat Taxi could inspire similar cooperative ventures in other sectors traditionally dominated by private, profit-driven corporations.
As urban transportation continues to evolve, Bharat Taxi’s entry marks a significant milestone in India’s mobility story. With strong financial backing, a clear social mission, and the advantage of institutional expertise, the platform has the potential to transform how Indians travel in cities—making rides fair for drivers, affordable for passengers, and beneficial for the community at large.
By the time the service rolls out nationwide in 2025, Bharat Taxi could well become a symbol of cooperative strength and innovation, challenging the status quo and setting a new benchmark for ethical and sustainable ride-hailing in India.
