Bharat Taxi, India’s urban mobility sector is witnessing the emergence of a different kind of ride-hailing platform, one that seeks to combine digital technology with cooperative ownership. Bharat Taxi, described as India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, is positioning drivers at the centre of its ownership, governance and earnings model while offering passengers a range of urban, airport and intercity mobility services.
Unlike conventional app-based mobility platforms, where drivers generally operate as service providers, Bharat Taxi is built around the principle “Saarthi Hi Maalik”, or “the driver is the owner”. Under this model, drivers, known as Sarathis, can become members of the cooperative and participate in its economic and governance structure.
Established on June 6, 2025, under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, Bharat Taxi was created with the support of eight national-level cooperative institutions. The platform is seeking to take the cooperative model into India’s rapidly expanding digital mobility economy.
As of July 25, 2026, Bharat Taxi had nearly 8 lakh registered Sarathis and around 41 lakh registered customers. The service is operational across Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Jaipur, Kanpur and Pune, with expansion planned to Ranchi, Patna, Guwahati, Bhopal, Kolkata, Indore and Nagpur. The platform has set an ambitious target of achieving a nationwide presence by 2029.
Table of Contents
What Is Bharat Taxi?
Bharat Taxi is a cooperative-based ride-hailing platform designed to connect passengers with drivers through a digital application while giving drivers an ownership stake in the cooperative.
Its model combines app-based booking and digital mobility services with cooperative principles such as democratic participation, shared ownership, mutual assistance and collective economic benefit.
The platform’s central philosophy is “Saarthi Hi Maalik”, under which drivers are not viewed merely as individuals providing rides through an application. Instead, they can become member owners of the cooperative and participate in its governance.
This represents a fundamental difference in the relationship between the platform and drivers.
The broader objective is to align ownership, participation and earnings so that drivers have a direct stake in the development of the platform on which they work.
How Bharat Taxi Was Established
Bharat Taxi was formally established on June 6, 2025, under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
Eight national-level cooperative institutions supported its establishment:
- National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)
- Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO)
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
- Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited (KRIBHCO)
- Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (Amul)
- National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED)
- National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
- National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL)
The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act provides a legal framework for cooperative societies operating across more than one state. Bharat Taxi’s structure applies the principles of cooperative ownership to the technology-enabled urban transport sector.
The initiative also fits into the broader philosophy of “Sahkar se Samriddhi”, which broadly translates to prosperity through cooperation.
“Saarthi Hi Maalik”: Drivers Become Member Owners
The most distinctive feature of Bharat Taxi is its driver-centred ownership structure.
Drivers on the platform are called Sarathis. Instead of functioning solely as service providers, Sarathis can become members of the cooperative by subscribing to its share capital.
The cooperative’s shares are valued at ₹100 each, while a Sarathi seeking partner-level ownership can acquire ownership rights by purchasing shares worth ₹500.
The model also provides for representation of Sarathi members on the cooperative’s Board of Directors.
This gives drivers a formal avenue to participate in decisions concerning the platform.
The arrangement attempts to bring together three elements that are usually separated in conventional platform businesses: ownership, participation and earnings.
By making drivers stakeholders, Bharat Taxi seeks to create a system in which the people providing the service can also have a say in how the platform develops.
Zero-Commission Model and Driver Earnings
Another major feature of Bharat Taxi is its zero-commission and surge-free pricing model.
Instead of the conventional commission-based structure used by many ride-hailing businesses, Bharat Taxi follows a subscription-oriented approach under which Sarathis can retain their full fare earnings.
Passengers are charged the applicable fare based on factors such as distance, time and market conditions, while the platform states that there are no additional convenience fees, platform fees or surge pricing through its application.
Under the cooperative earnings model, 20% of the cooperative’s earnings is credited to Bharat Taxi as Sarathis’ capital, while the remaining 80% is distributed among Sarathis based on the kilometres travelled by their taxis.
A 7% service charge applies only at Bharat Taxi-operated airport prepaid booths to cover operational expenses.
The structure is intended to provide greater clarity to passengers while giving drivers a direct economic connection to the platform.
Multiple Ride Categories for Different Needs
Bharat Taxi is not restricted to conventional city cab services.
The application provides multiple mobility categories designed to accommodate different passenger requirements. These include:
- 2-Wheeler or Bike Taxi
- Auto
- Economy Cab
- Premium Sedan
- XL Cab or SUV
- Rentals
- Out-Station travel
- Scheduled Rides
This range allows the platform to serve everything from short-distance urban journeys and daily commuting to longer intercity trips and pre-planned travel.
Passengers can book rides through the application, while drivers can register as Sarathis through the app or website by submitting required documentation and completing the onboarding process.
At selected airports, Bharat Taxi also operates prepaid booths, giving passengers an alternative to app-based booking.
Bharat Taxi’s Expanding Footprint
The platform has expanded rapidly since its launch.
As of July 25, 2026, Bharat Taxi had nearly 8 lakh registered Sarathis and approximately 41 lakh registered customers.
Its operational footprint currently includes:
Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Jaipur, Kanpur and Pune.
Jaipur is among the cities where the platform has developed a substantial user base. As of July 25, more than 30,000 Sarathis and nearly 7 lakh customers had joined Bharat Taxi in the city.
The next phase of expansion is expected to cover Ranchi, Patna, Guwahati, Bhopal, Kolkata, Indore and Nagpur.
The broader ambition is to establish a nationwide presence by 2029.
Transparent Fares Without Surge Pricing
Price transparency is another important component of Bharat Taxi’s proposition.
Passengers can see fare estimates in advance, while the platform’s app-based model does not use surge pricing.
For passengers, this can make trip costs more predictable, particularly during periods of high demand when fares on conventional ride-hailing platforms may fluctuate.
For drivers, the zero-commission model is intended to ensure that the fare generated from a ride is not reduced by conventional platform commissions.
The combination of transparent passenger pricing and driver-oriented earnings is therefore central to Bharat Taxi’s alternative approach to digital mobility.
Women-Centric Initiatives: Sarathi Didi and Bike Didi
Bharat Taxi has also introduced initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in the mobility ecosystem.
Through the Sarathi Didi feature, women passengers can choose rides operated by women drivers.
The platform has also launched Bike Didi, an initiative intended to encourage more women to work as drivers.
As of February 2026, more than 150 women drivers had joined Bharat Taxi through the initiative.
These programmes seek to address two challenges simultaneously: increasing women’s participation in the transport workforce and providing women passengers with an additional choice when booking rides.
Safety Features Built Into the Platform
Safety forms another important part of Bharat Taxi’s operating model.
Drivers undergo KYC verification, periodic background checks and safety training before and during their association with the platform.
The application incorporates several safety-related features, including:
- Live ride tracking
- SOS support
- Driver ratings
- Safety rating reviews
Bharat Taxi also uses police integration and control-room monitoring to support coordinated oversight and emergency responses.
The emphasis is on making safety an integrated part of the platform rather than treating it as an optional additional service.
Bharat Taxi and India’s Digital Public Infrastructure
The platform is also connecting its operations with India’s digital public infrastructure.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Bharat Taxi receives advisory and technical support under the Digital India framework.
The collaboration facilitates integration with platforms including DigiLocker, UMANG and API Setu.
DigiLocker
DigiLocker provides citizens with a digital platform to securely store, verify and share authenticated documents.
For Bharat Taxi, integration with DigiLocker can support paperless documentation and digital verification during onboarding and other processes.
UMANG
The Unified Mobile Application for New Age Governance, or UMANG, brings multiple government services together through a single digital platform.
Its integration can provide Sarathis with more unified access to government-related services.
API Setu
API Setu is the government’s open API platform designed to support secure and interoperable data and service exchange.
Together, these digital integrations are intended to facilitate paperless onboarding, digital verification, access to government services and more efficient platform operations.
Partnerships Across Transport, Finance and Insurance
Bharat Taxi’s ecosystem extends beyond the ride-hailing application itself.
The platform has established partnerships with institutions associated with transport, finance, insurance and digital payments.
Its major institutional partners include:
- Delhi Traffic Police
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
- Airport Authority
- IFFCO Tokio Insurance
- State Bank of India
- Paytm
These partnerships are intended to strengthen the platform’s transport network while connecting Sarathis and passengers with financial, insurance and digital payment services.
Social Security for Sarathis
One of the more significant aspects of Bharat Taxi’s cooperative approach is its focus on social security.
Sarathis are facilitated to register on the e-Shram portal, the national database for unorganised workers launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Registration is intended to help workers access social security and welfare schemes.
According to the initiative, Sarathis and their families can become eligible for free medical treatment of up to ₹5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) after registration, subject to applicable scheme eligibility.
Other welfare measures include personal accident insurance of ₹5 lakh through IFFCO Tokio at nominal rates, advisory support for long-term driver welfare and insurance solutions, and group health insurance coverage for drivers and their families supported through the Paytm partnership.
This makes Bharat Taxi’s proposition broader than income generation alone.
The platform is attempting to combine earnings with ownership and access to social-security mechanisms.
Strengthening Airport Connectivity
Airport mobility is another important component of Bharat Taxi’s expansion.
The platform has entered into agreements with the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation and Delhi Airport Parking Services.
These arrangements allow Bharat Taxi’s white cab services to operate at multiple parking locations across terminals at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The airport services complement the platform’s Kaali Peeli operations and are intended to improve the availability of airport rides.
Passengers can also use Bharat Taxi’s prepaid booths at selected airport locations.
The specified 7% service charge is applicable at these prepaid booths to cover operational expenses.
How Bharat Taxi Differs From Conventional Ride-Hailing
The emergence of Bharat Taxi comes at a time when app-based mobility has become an important part of urban transportation.
Traditional ride-hailing platforms primarily operate through a technology-mediated marketplace that connects drivers and passengers. Drivers typically earn from individual rides while the platform provides the technology, customer acquisition, payment infrastructure and other services.
Bharat Taxi attempts to modify this relationship.
Under its cooperative structure, the driver can simultaneously be a service provider, member and owner.
This changes the economic relationship between labour and platform ownership.
The model is intended to give Sarathis a stake in the cooperative’s growth while allowing them to participate in governance.
Technology Meets Cooperative Ownership
The larger significance of Bharat Taxi lies in its attempt to combine two models that have traditionally existed separately.
The first is the technology platform model, based on mobile applications, digital payments, automated bookings, live tracking and technology-enabled customer service.
The second is the cooperative model, which emphasises collective ownership, democratic decision-making and shared economic interests.
Bharat Taxi attempts to bring these two approaches together.
Its digital application provides the technological infrastructure needed for modern ride-hailing, while the cooperative structure places drivers at the centre of ownership and governance.
The model therefore represents an experiment in digital cooperative mobility.
The Road Ahead for Bharat Taxi
Bharat Taxi’s growth strategy will depend on its ability to scale the cooperative model across multiple cities while maintaining service quality, driver participation and passenger trust.
The platform’s current numbers—nearly 8 lakh Sarathis and around 41 lakh customers as of July 25, 2026—provide a significant base for expansion.
The planned entry into Ranchi, Patna, Guwahati, Bhopal, Kolkata, Indore and Nagpur will further test the platform’s ability to operate across diverse urban transport markets.
The long-term goal of nationwide presence by 2029 will require substantial expansion of its driver network, passenger base, technology infrastructure, safety systems and institutional partnerships.
Bharat Taxi’s Larger Significance for India’s Mobility Sector
Bharat Taxi’s emergence reflects the broader transformation taking place in India’s urban mobility and platform economy.
As cities become increasingly dependent on app-based services for transportation, questions surrounding driver earnings, platform commissions, ownership, social security and worker participation are becoming increasingly important.
Bharat Taxi’s cooperative structure offers one potential alternative.
Its “Saarthi Hi Maalik” approach attempts to ensure that drivers are not merely participants in the platform economy but stakeholders in the platform itself.
The combination of zero-commission earnings, cooperative ownership, board representation, transparent fares, social-security facilitation and women-focused initiatives gives the platform a proposition that extends beyond conventional ride-hailing.
Bharat Taxi is attempting to redefine what an Indian ride-hailing platform can look like by putting cooperative ownership at the centre of digital mobility.
Established in 2025 with the support of eight national cooperative institutions, the platform has grown to nearly 8 lakh registered Sarathis and around 41 lakh customers as of July 25, 2026.
Its core philosophy of “Saarthi Hi Maalik” places drivers at the heart of ownership, governance and earnings. The zero-commission model, transparent fares, absence of surge pricing, diverse ride categories and cooperative distribution structure further distinguish its approach.
Beyond mobility, Bharat Taxi is building an ecosystem around digital public infrastructure, safety, women’s participation, social security, insurance and financial services. Its integrations with DigiLocker, UMANG and API Setu and partnerships across transport, finance and insurance are intended to strengthen the platform’s wider ecosystem.
With operations already established in several major cities and further expansion planned, Bharat Taxi’s nationwide target for 2029 will be closely watched.
Its long-term significance, however, may extend beyond the number of cities it serves. If the cooperative model can scale effectively, Bharat Taxi could offer a new way of thinking about the relationship between technology platforms, drivers, ownership and urban mobility in India.
In an industry increasingly shaped by digital platforms, Bharat Taxi’s experiment is built on a different proposition: the people powering the platform can also have a stake in owning and shaping it.
