India has introduced Bharat Taxi, a government-backed ride-hailing platform inaugurated by Union Minister Amit Shah, designed to offer a zero-commission earning model for drivers. Unlike traditional ride-hailing services, the platform allows drivers to retain the entire fare paid by passengers, aiming to improve driver incomes and provide greater financial independence. The service will operate under a cooperative ownership structure managed by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited, where drivers become co-owners by purchasing a small number of shares, enabling them to access dividends, insurance benefits, and pension support.
The platform supports two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheel taxis, and includes a safety-focused feature called “Sarthi Didi,” which enables women passengers to request rides exclusively from women drivers. The initiative is part of a larger national rollout strategy, with plans to expand operations across India over the next three years and onboard a large network of drivers. Early pilot operations have already attracted tens of thousands of driver registrations, indicating strong initial traction.
Bharat Taxi is positioned as a cooperative alternative to private ride-hailing companies, seeking to create a driver-centric ecosystem where earnings remain with drivers while the cooperative manages operations through a shared-ownership model. The government also aims to gradually expand the service into major cities and significantly scale driver participation over the coming years, potentially reshaping the competitive dynamics of India’s ride-hailing industry.
