Amit Shah launches cooperative-based Bharat Taxi in GujaratPioneer News Service n Gandhinagar

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Saturday launched Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-based ride-hailing service, in Gujarat, describing the initiative as a landmark step for India’s mobility sector. He announced that the platform is expected to expand to around 500 cities and towns across the country over the next two years.

Addressing the launch event, Shah said the new service has been designed to create a fairer transportation ecosystem by protecting both passengers and drivers from exploitation. Unlike conventional app-based taxi aggregators, Bharat Taxi follows a cooperative ownership model in which drivers, referred to as Sarathis, will also be stakeholders in the organisation.

The Union Minister stated that Bharat Taxi would initially cater to two-wheelers, four-wheelers and auto-rickshaws, broadening the scope of app-based mobility services. He added that the platform already has more than seven lakh registered driver-members and has served over 37 lakh customers across the country.

Rejecting reports that the service is more expensive than existing alternatives, Shah maintained that Bharat Taxi offers competitive pricing. He also claimed that the entry of the cooperative platform has prompted some private operators to revise their fares. Stressing the Government’s commitment, he said future plans include providing drivers with easier access to loans, insurance and business support through the cooperative network.

Calling the initiative a major transformation in the transport sector, Shah said Bharat Taxi is intended to replace a profit-driven approach with a people-centric cooperative framework.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who was present at the launch, said the initiative reflects Gujarat’s strong cooperative tradition and supports the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.