Bharat taxi is launching today in a move set to disrupt India's multi-billion dollar ride-hailing industry. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is launching "Bharat Taxi" today, February 5, 2026, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
This isn't just another app; it is the world’s largest driver-owned mobility platform, conceptualized under the vision of 'Sahkar se Samriddhi' (Prosperity through Cooperation). By making the drivers—our Sarathis—actual shareholders and owners, the government is introducing a "Sarathi Hi Malik" (Driver is the Owner) model to challenge the dominance of private giants like Ola and Uber.
Because there is no middleman taking a 30% cut, it is estimated that Bharat Taxi could be up to 30% cheaper for passengers while still ensuring drivers take home more money at the end of the day.
Every Sarathi is provided with ₹5 lakh personal accident insurance and ₹5 lakh family health insurance—a massive leap in social security for the gig economy. Drivers are free to work on other platforms; there are no "loyalty" clauses that trap them into a single app.
A unique aspect of this onboarding is the opportunity for drivers to become co-owners by purchasing cooperative shares—typically starting at a minimum of five shares for ₹500—which solidifies the "Sarathi Hi Malik" philosophy. Once the background and document verification are completed by the Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, drivers can activate their accounts, set up their bank details for direct profit distribution, and begin accepting rides without the burden of commissions or restrictive exclusivity clauses.
This isn't just another app; it is the world’s largest driver-owned mobility platform, conceptualized under the vision of 'Sahkar se Samriddhi' (Prosperity through Cooperation). By making the drivers—our Sarathis—actual shareholders and owners, the government is introducing a "Sarathi Hi Malik" (Driver is the Owner) model to challenge the dominance of private giants like Ola and Uber.
Bharat Taxi vs. Ola / Uber / Rapido
The biggest differentiator for Bharat Taxi lies in its financial architecture. While private aggregators are often criticized for high commissions and unpredictable "surge" pricing, Bharat Taxi is flipping the script:| Commission | 0% (Zero Commission Model) | 20% to 30% per ride approx. |
| Surge Pricing | Strictly Surge-Free | High surges during peak hours/rain |
| Driver Status | Co-owner & Shareholder | Contractual Gig Worker |
| Daily Access Fee | ₹30 flat fee | Variable percentage-based cuts |
| Pricing | Regulated & Transparent | Dynamic (fluctuates with demand) |
Because there is no middleman taking a 30% cut, it is estimated that Bharat Taxi could be up to 30% cheaper for passengers while still ensuring drivers take home more money at the end of the day.
What is Bharat Taxi: 'Sarathi Hi Malik' model
Unlike existing models where drivers are often at the mercy of algorithms, Bharat Taxi Sarathis are registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. During the launch, top performers will receive share certificates, officially making them stakeholders in the cooperative.Every Sarathi is provided with ₹5 lakh personal accident insurance and ₹5 lakh family health insurance—a massive leap in social security for the gig economy. Drivers are free to work on other platforms; there are no "loyalty" clauses that trap them into a single app.
The "Bike Didi" Initiative: Empowering Women
Bharat Taxi is also prioritizing gender inclusivity through its "Bike Didi" program. So far, over 150 women drivers have joined the platform, providing them with a safe, dignified, and cooperative-backed means of employment.National Expansion & Digital Integration
The platform is deeply integrated with India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including:- DigiLocker for instant driver verification.
- UMANG and API Setu for seamless service delivery.
- Emergency Assistance: Direct tie-ups with local police (including 35 special booths in Delhi) to ensure rider and driver safety.
How to join Bharat Taxi as a driver:
To join the world's largest cooperative-based mobility platform as a "Sarathi," interested drivers must begin by downloading the Bharat Taxi Driver app from the Google Play Store and registering with their mobile number via OTP verification. The process is designed to be seamless and empowering, requiring the digital upload of essential documents including a valid Commercial Driving License, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, and vehicle-specific papers like the Registration Certificate (RC) and insurance.A unique aspect of this onboarding is the opportunity for drivers to become co-owners by purchasing cooperative shares—typically starting at a minimum of five shares for ₹500—which solidifies the "Sarathi Hi Malik" philosophy. Once the background and document verification are completed by the Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, drivers can activate their accounts, set up their bank details for direct profit distribution, and begin accepting rides without the burden of commissions or restrictive exclusivity clauses.
