India Launches Bharat Taxi App to Compete with Private Ride-Hailing Services

The Indian government has launched the Bharat Taxi app, designed to provide commercial drivers with an alternative to popular ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola. Supported by major cooperative organizations, the app aims to enhance transportation accessibility while allowing drivers to retain their earnings through a zero-commission model. With over 51,000 drivers already registered, Bharat Taxi promises to revolutionize the ride-hailing landscape in India. The app features user-friendly booking, transparent fares, and safety measures in collaboration with local authorities. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to empowering drivers and improving public transportation options across the nation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 3, 2025, 10:10 IST

Introduction to Bharat Taxi

The Indian government has introduced a ride-hailing mobility application named Bharat Taxi, aimed at providing commercial drivers with an alternative to private platforms like Uber, Ola, and Rapido. On December 2, Union Minister Amit Shah confirmed this development in a written response in the Lok Sabha, stating that the app is designed to reduce drivers' reliance on private companies.

Support and Objectives

This initiative is backed by eight major cooperative organizations, with the goal of offering a reliable transportation option to compete with popular apps such as Ola and Uber. During its pilot phase, Bharat Taxi provides various vehicle types, including cars, auto-rickshaws, and bikes. So far, over 51,000 drivers have registered to use the app, which is managed by the Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, a registered cooperative society that commenced operations on June 6, 2025, focusing on making transportation accessible for everyone.

Key Cooperative Partners

The promoters of Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited include:

Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul)

IFFCO

KRIBHCO

NAFED

NDDB

NCEL

NCDC

NABARD

Additionally, the board includes two elected driver representatives.

Launch Details and Vision

Jayen Mehta, Chairman of Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, informed a news agency that Bharat Taxi was launched in Delhi, with over 51,000 drivers registered on the app. Mehta, who also serves as the Managing Director of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCCMMF), mentioned that driver registration is still ongoing in Gujarat.

He further explained that the Prime Minister's vision of 'Sahakar se Samriddhi' (prosperity through cooperation) inspired the Ministry of Cooperation, led by Amit Shah, to establish this new cooperative organization for the benefit of millions of drivers across the country.

Features and Benefits

The Bharat Taxi app is designed with features that enhance accessibility and user experience, including:

User-friendly mobile ride booking

Transparent fare and vehicle tracking

Support for a multilingual interface

24/7 customer service

Secure and verified onboarding

Inclusive mobility options

Safety Measures and Support for Citizens

Operating on a zero-commission model, the app allows drivers to retain all earnings from their rides, with any profits generated by the cooperative going directly to the drivers.

Another significant feature of the app is its integration with public transportation services like the metro, enabling users to book different types of rides from a single location, simplifying trip planning. A partnership with the Delhi Police ensures the safety of both riders and drivers.

According to the ministry's statement in Parliament on Tuesday, the app aims to liberate the country's commercial drivers from dependence on private companies.