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Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, marking a major push towards driver-owned digital mobility services. The platform was formally launched after the successful completion of a two-month pilot programme.

Initially rolled out in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, Bharat Taxi will be expanded to all states and Union Territories within the next two years. Addressing the launch event, Shah said the platform aims to establish a nationwide presence, connecting the country “from Kashmir to Kanniyakumari and from Dwarka to Kamakhya” in the coming years.

Bharat Taxi allows users to book cars, auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers through a single digital platform. Unlike existing ride-hailing services dominated by private players such as Uber, Ola and Rapido, Bharat Taxi follows a zero-commission and surge-free pricing model. All profits generated through the platform are directly shared with registered drivers.

The platform is registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, and was established on June 6, 2025. It is supported by eight major cooperative organisations, positioning it as an indigenous alternative to foreign investment-driven ride-hailing companies.

According to the Ministry of Cooperation, Bharat Taxi has emerged as the world’s first and largest cooperative-based ride-hailing service and the largest driver-owned mobility platform globally. Since the pilot launch on December 2, more than three lakh drivers have joined the platform, over one lakh users have registered, and around 10,000 rides are being completed daily across the two pilot regions.

So far, nearly Rs 10 crore has been directly distributed to drivers. The platform also focuses on driver welfare, offering health and accident insurance, retirement benefits and dedicated support centres, currently operating from seven locations in Delhi.