A new cooperative-based alternative to app-based taxi services is set to launch in India, promising transparent fares and an end to surge pricing. The Bharat Taxi Act pilot project, initiated by the Union Ministry of Cooperation, is nearing completion, with a nationwide rollout planned soon.
In an exclusive interaction with TV9 Bharatvarsh, Ashok Thakur, Director of NAFED, a body under the Ministry of Cooperation, said that more than 1.10 lakh people in Delhi-NCR have already registered on the platform. He added that the full-scale launch is scheduled for January 15 across major cities in the country.
Drivers are also showing keen interest in the initiative. Shiv Kumar, a taxi driver on Delhi’s Raisina Road, said he previously drove for Ola and Uber and joined Bharat Taxi just a week ago. Another driver, Ashok Yadav, said he was attracted by the government’s effort to keep Indian earnings within the country and support drivers directly.
What is the Bharat Taxi app?
Bharat Taxi is a mobile-based cab booking platform designed as a driver-friendly and cooperative-owned service. It allows users to book auto, car, and bike taxis on a single app. The platform is being launched under Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, India’s first national mobility cooperative.
Government-backed ownership and employment
Ashok Thakur said that in the future, registered drivers will also be eligible for government-supported loans to purchase their own taxis through the platform. This move aims to help drivers become owners and generate large-scale employment across the country.
No surge pricing
The most significant feature of Bharat Taxi is the complete removal of surge pricing. Fares will remain fixed and transparent, regardless of rain, traffic, or peak hours. Passengers will know the fare in advance, eliminating sudden price hikes commonly seen on other platforms.
Focus on safety and technology
Bharat Taxi has partnered with Delhi Police for passenger and driver safety, and similar collaborations are underway with Gujarat Police. The app will offer real-time tracking, verified driver onboarding, multilingual support, and 24×7 customer care. It will also integrate with metro networks to enable easy multimodal travel planning.
Availability and launch timeline
The Bharat Taxi app is currently available on the Google Play Store for trial and feedback, with an iOS version expected soon. From January 1, 2026, cab booking will begin for the public in Delhi. After Delhi, the service will expand to Rajkot (Gujarat) and then to other cities.
Pilot phase and expansion plans
The pilot phase began in Delhi in November with 650 vehicles and owner-drivers. Since then, registrations have crossed 1 lakh. The service is expected to expand to 20 cities, including Pune, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Jaipur, within a year. The goal is to cover several metro cities by March 2026.
