Bharat Taxi Generates ₹35 Crore for Drivers, Creates 20,000 Jobs: Govt

New Delhi, March 2026 : The government on Wednesday highlighted the success of Bharat Taxi, stating that the platform has generated over ₹35 crore in income for drivers with an investment of just around ₹5 crore so far. The initiative has also created employment opportunities for nearly 20,000 drivers and around 200 support staff, reflecting its growing impact in the mobility sector.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, described Bharat Taxi as a pioneering cooperative-led ride-hailing service that places drivers at the centre of ownership and operations. He emphasised that the platform represents a significant step toward empowering drivers while promoting inclusive economic growth.

Unlike conventional app-based cab services, Bharat Taxi operates on a cooperative model where drivers—referred to as ‘Sarathis’—are not just service providers but also stakeholders. This structure allows them to retain their full earnings from rides, eliminating the commission-based system typically followed by private aggregators.

Instead of taking a percentage from each trip, the platform follows a subscription-based model. This ensures greater transparency and stability in driver earnings. For passengers, the pricing model remains straightforward, with fares based solely on distance and time, without additional charges such as surge pricing or convenience fees.

Bharat Taxi was established on June 6, 2025, under the provisions of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 and officially launched on February 5, 2026. The initiative is backed by eight national-level cooperative institutions and aligns with the government’s broader vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’, aimed at strengthening the cooperative movement in India.

Currently, the service is operational across key regions including Delhi-NCR—covering Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad—as well as cities in Gujarat such as Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Somnath, and Dwarka. The government has indicated that the platform will be expanded to other states and Union Territories in a phased manner, depending on regulatory approvals and operational preparedness.

To join the platform, drivers must own a vehicle and possess a valid driving licence. Additionally, they are required to purchase at least one share in the cooperative, which has an authorised share capital of ₹300 crore. This ownership model ensures that drivers have a voice in decision-making processes related to operations and governance.

Officials noted that the initiative is not only boosting driver incomes but also offering a more sustainable and dignified alternative to traditional aggregator-based platforms. By combining economic empowerment with cooperative principles, Bharat Taxi is emerging as a transformative model in India’s ride-hailing ecosystem.

Team Maverick