Amit Shah Launches India's First Cooperative Taxi Service 'Bharat Taxi'
Drivers will own 80% profits after three years; nationwide rollout planned within three years with 'Saarthi Didi' feature for women's safety
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched "Bharat Taxi," the country's first cooperative-based taxi service, from Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The service positions taxi drivers as owners rather than employees, marking a departure from corporate-controlled ride-hailing platforms.
Shah announced that while Bharat Taxi is currently launching in Delhi, NCR, and select Gujarat cities, it will expand to every state and major city within three years, "from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Dwarka to Kamakhya."
Drivers as Owners, Not Employees
Referring to taxi drivers as "charioteers," Shah highlighted the transformative nature of the cooperative model. "Until now, the wheels of their taxis used to generate income for someone else, but through Bharat Taxi, those wheels will now be used for their own earnings and prosperity," he stated.
After three years, only 20 percent of profits will remain with Sahakar Taxis for operational purposes, while the remaining 80 percent will be transferred directly to drivers' accounts based on average per-kilometer earnings. The drivers themselves will be the owners of Sahakar Taxis.
Democratic Governance Structure
Shah emphasized that Bharat Taxi will operate under a democratic system. Driver representatives will be elected to the Board of Directors every five years to protect drivers' interests and ensure accountability.
"This is likely the first cooperative taxi service in the world owned directly by the drivers," Shah claimed, clarifying that "the government is not entering the taxi sector—cooperatives are."
Women's Safety: Saarthi Didi
Addressing passenger safety, Shah introduced the "Saarthi Didi" concept. Female drivers will be made available to female passengers through a dedicated window on the app, ensuring safer journeys for women commuters.
Strategic Partnerships Signed
Nine Memoranda of Understanding were exchanged during the event with Airports Authority of India, National e-Governance Division, Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, GMR, Iffco Tokio, State Bank of India, and Paytm.
Shah symbolically presented Bharat Taxi share certificates to five drivers during the launch ceremony.