‘Will be available across country within three years’
New Delhi, Feb 05: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched its first cooperative-based taxi service, ‘Bharat Taxi,’ in New Delhi, marking a significant step towards empowering taxi drivers through a cooperative ownership model. The launch, led by Shah, with participation from Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar, Cooperation Secretary Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, and over 1,200 driver partners (“Sarathis”) from various states, reflecting widespread support for this innovative initiative.
Addressing the event, Amit Shah emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Ministry of Cooperation aims to develop ownership rights for workers in the unorganized sector. He highlighted that within three years, Sahakar Taxi would become a major welfare medium across India, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. He clarified misconceptions about government involvement in the taxi sector, stating that the government is not entering the business but facilitating cooperation (Sahakar), which is about collective ownership and empowerment.
Shah described Sahakar Taxi as possibly the world’s first cooperative taxi company where the real owners are the drivers (Sarathis). Unlike traditional models, where earnings go to companies or external owners, in Sahakar Taxi, the drivers themselves are the owners. This model is expected to significantly improve the economic conditions, self-confidence, and dignity of taxi drivers. He drew parallels with successful cooperative ventures like Amul, which began with just 11 milk producers and now supports over 36 lakh women livestock-rearers earning over ₹125,000 crore annually, some earning up to ₹1 crore a year. The success of such models demonstrates that ordinary people, when made owners, can achieve remarkable progress.
The Home Minister urged drivers to understand that while they will continue driving taxis, their earnings will now directly benefit them, as the cooperative model ensures profits go into their own accounts. He explained that the cooperative structure pools small capital contributions—starting with as little as ₹500—forming the foundation for economic independence. Governance will involve elected representatives from among the drivers, who will sit on the board and make decisions, ensuring ownership rights.
Bharat Taxi integrates various vehicle types—four-wheelers, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers—and prioritizes women’s safety through the ‘Sarathi Didi’ initiative. Under this, women drivers (Didis) will operate two-wheelers to pick up women customers, promoting safe, affordable, and dignified travel for women, contributing to their safety and empowerment.
The service has already signed MoUs with nine major institutions, including Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Airport Authority of India (AAI), IFFCO Tokio Insurance, State Bank of India, and Paytm, among others. These partnerships will enhance operational efficiency, digital integration, safety, and customer convenience. For example, Bharat Taxi will operate 34 prepaid taxi booths at 21 locations in Delhi, with real-time ride monitoring, SOS alerts, and emergency response mechanisms. It will also be integrated with DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu to enable paperless onboarding and cashless payments, making operations seamless for drivers and passengers.
Airport collaborations will facilitate last-mile connectivity at major terminals, with Bharat Taxi services permitted at IGI Airport, offering discounts and regulated operations. Insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh for drivers will be provided by IFFCO Tokio, and digital payment integration will be supported by Paytm, strengthening the fintech ecosystem for drivers. The partnership with GMR will further expand Bharat Taxi’s airport mobility services.
Financial support is also a key element. Under the partnership with SBI, priority loans will be available for eligible driver-owners under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, facilitating easier access to capital. This financial backing aims to promote driver ownership, economic growth, and social security.
Union Minister Shah emphasized that Bharat Taxi embodies the principles of ownership, security, dignity, and equitable distribution of profits, with the model designed to benefit drivers directly. Since its establishment on June 6, 2025, Bharat Taxi has seen rapid growth, with over 2.5 lakh drivers and 8.5 lakh passengers in Delhi-NCR alone, surpassing other taxi services in registration and reach.
The launch was marked by a rally of 100 cars from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Vigyan Bhawan, symbolizing unity and collective strength of India’s taxi community. During the event, top-performing driver partners were felicitated, receiving accident and health insurance coverage, underscoring Bharat Taxi’s commitment to driver welfare.
Shah expressed confidence that Bharat Taxi would be a transformative model for the cooperative sector, expanding into new sectors and empowering unorganized workers across India. The initiative aims to foster self-reliance, dignity, and prosperity for millions of drivers, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of inclusive growth and cooperative development.
