Bharat Taxi Launched in India: Surge Free Pricing and India’s First Zero-Commission Cab App
New Delhi: In a move set to disrupt the Indian ride-hailing market, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah officially launched Bharat Taxi on February 5, 2026, at Vigyan Bhavan. Operating under the visionary slogan “Sarathi Hi Malik” (The Driver is the Owner), this cooperative-led platform aims to eliminate the high commissions and surge pricing that have long plagued both drivers and passengers.
A Revolution in Indian Mobility: What is Bharat Taxi?
Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. Unlike private aggregators like Uber, Ola, and Rapido, which function as middlemen, Bharat Taxi is owned by its drivers, known as Sarathis.
Backed by eight major cooperative giants, including Amul, IFFCO, and NABARD, the platform offers a zero-commission model. Instead of losing 20-30% of their earnings per ride, drivers pay a flat daily access fee of just ₹30 (₹18 for autos), ensuring the rest of the fare goes directly into their pockets.
Key Highlights of the Launch:
- Initial Rollout: Launched in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat (Ahmedabad and Rajkot) following a successful pilot.
- Pan-India Ambition: Amit Shah announced an expansion plan to cover the entire country within three years, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
- Vehicle Options: The app supports 2-wheelers (bikes), 3-wheelers (autos), and 4-wheelers (economy and sedan cars).
The End of Surge Pricing? Cheaper Fares for Passengers
One of the most significant advantages for commuters is the surge-free pricing model. Since the platform does not take a percentage-based cut, it can offer fares that are estimated to be up to 30% cheaper than its competitors during peak hours.
The app also integrates with India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), allowing users to book Metro tickets and plan multi-modal journeys seamlessly.
Sarathi Hi Malik: Empowerment and Social Security
The core of Bharat Taxi is driver welfare. By purchasing just five shares for ₹500, a driver becomes a stakeholder in the cooperative. This ownership model provides unprecedented benefits for the unorganized sector:
- Insurance: ₹5 lakh personal accident cover and ₹5 lakh family health insurance for every Sarathi.
- Financial Support: Access to affordable loans and retirement savings.
- Independence: Drivers are free to work on other platforms; there are no exclusivity clauses.
Focus on Women’s Safety: The ‘Bike Didi’ Initiative
Safety remains a top priority for the new platform. A standout feature is the ‘Bike Didi’ initiative, which has already onboarded over 150 women drivers. Through a dedicated window in the app, female passengers can specifically request a ride with a woman driver, providing a safe and dignified travel option.
Strategic Partnerships for Safety
Bharat Taxi has signed MoUs with nine major institutions, including the Delhi Traffic Police, to set up 34 prepaid booths and a Joint Command and Control Centre for real-time SOS monitoring and emergency response.
How to Get Started with the Bharat Taxi App
For those looking to switch to a more ethical and affordable ride, the Bharat Taxi app download is now available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
- For Passengers: Simply register with a mobile number and verify via OTP to start booking rides.
- For Drivers: The “Bharat Taxi Driver” app allows for easy document upload and verification at one of the seven support centers currently active in Delhi-NCR.
As the Bharat Taxi launch gains momentum, it stands as a testament to the “Sahkar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) vision, promising a fairer future for India’s gig economy workers.
