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The Central government’s new ride-hailing platform, Bharat Taxi, also known as ‘Sahkar Taxi’, is set to begin its pilot run in Delhi next month, positioning itself as a direct challenger to private players like Ola and Uber. (Image: Pexels) The initiative, developed under the Union Ministry of Cooperation in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), aims to create a fair, driver-owned alternative in the app-based transport sector. (Image: Pexels) According to an NDTV report, the pilot phase will begin in November 2025 with 650 vehicles operated by their owner-drivers. If successful, the service will expand to other major cities in December, marking the start of a nationwide rollout. (Image: Pexels) According to officials, around 5,000 drivers, including both men and women, are expected to take part in the first phase. (Image: Pexels) Over the next year, Bharat Taxi will gradually extend to 20 cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Bhopal, Lucknow and Jaipur. (Image: Pexels) By March 2026, the government hopes to establish operations across metro regions, with plans to reach district headquarters and rural areas by 2030, involving as many as one lakh drivers. (Image: Pexels) Unlike existing ride-hailing companies, Bharat Taxi will be managed as a cooperative enterprise rather than a private corporation. The platform will be operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, which was set up in June with an initial capital of Rs 300 crore. (Image: Pexels) Drivers will be able to register their vehicles — including taxis, rickshaws, two-wheelers and four-wheelers — directly with the cooperative, without middlemen. This structure will ensure that 100% of the earnings go directly to the drivers, with no commission cuts. Officials said the pricing system will be fair, transparent and government-supervised, helping both drivers and passengers. (Image: Pexels) The move follows growing criticism of existing cab aggregators over unfair and discriminatory pricing. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) had earlier issued notices to Ola and Uber after reports surfaced that fares for the same journey varied depending on whether users booked through an iPhone or an Android device. (Image: Pexels) Union Home Minister Amit Shah first announced the Bharat Taxi initiative in Parliament in March, describing it as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” — prosperity through cooperation. (Image: Pexels)
