Bharat Taxi's Rs 5 Crore Investment Yields Rs 35 Crore for Drivers: Government Report

Key Takeaways

Investment: Rs 5 crore Income generated: Rs 35 crore for drivers Job creation: Nearly 20,000 drivers and 200 support staff employed Cooperative model: Drivers retain full earnings Operational areas: Delhi-NCR and select cities in Gujarat

New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) The government announced on Wednesday that the Bharat Taxi platform has successfully generated over Rs 35 crore in earnings for drivers thanks to an initial investment of just Rs 5 crore. This initiative has also created jobs for nearly 20,000 drivers and 200 support staff.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted that Bharat Taxi, India’s pioneering cooperative-led ride-hailing service, represents a significant stride towards empowering drivers and fostering inclusive growth within the mobility sector.

In a formal response in the Rajya Sabha, the minister elaborated that this initiative is structured to center drivers, referred to as ‘Sarathis’, in ownership and decision-making processes.

“In contrast to conventional app-based cab services, Bharat Taxi operates on a cooperative model where drivers are both members and stakeholders, empowering them to retain their full earnings from rides,” stated HM Shah.

The platform does not impose any commission on drivers; instead, it utilizes a subscription-based model, guaranteeing drivers receive fair and transparent income.

Passengers are only charged the fare based on distance and time, without any extra convenience fees or surge pricing.

Bharat Taxi was founded on June 6, 2025, under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, and officially launched on February 5, 2026.

It was established by eight national-level cooperative institutions as part of the government’s wider initiative to strengthen the cooperative sector in line with the vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’.

Currently, the service operates in the Delhi-NCR area, including Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, as well as cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Somnath, and Dwarka in Gujarat.

The government has indicated that expansion to additional states and Union Territories will be implemented in phases, contingent upon approvals and operational readiness.

To qualify as a member, drivers must possess a vehicle and a valid driving license. They are required to purchase at least one share in the cooperative, which has an authorized share capital of Rs 300 crore.

This structure fosters democratic participation, enabling members to influence key decisions regarding operations and management.

According to the government, this project has not only enhanced driver incomes but also provided a sustainable and dignified alternative to aggregator-based models.

Point of View

The Bharat Taxi initiative emerges as an innovative solution aimed at enhancing driver livelihoods while promoting cooperative ownership. This model not only challenges traditional ride-hailing services but also paves the way for a more equitable mobility framework in India.

NationPress

14 Jul 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bharat Taxi?

Bharat Taxi is India's first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, aimed at empowering drivers by allowing them to retain full earnings from rides.

How much income has Bharat Taxi generated for drivers?

Bharat Taxi has generated over Rs 35 crore in income for drivers with an investment of around Rs 5 crore.

What is the cooperative model of Bharat Taxi?

Bharat Taxi operates on a cooperative model where drivers are members and stakeholders, enabling them to make decisions and retain their earnings.

Where is Bharat Taxi currently operational?

Bharat Taxi operates in Delhi-NCR, including cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, as well as in Ahmedabad and Rajkot in Gujarat.

What are the requirements to become a member of Bharat Taxi?

To become a member, drivers must own a vehicle, hold a valid driving license, and purchase at least one share in the cooperative.