Ola, Uber’s New Rival Bharat Taxi to Officially Launch by End of January
Fri Jan 02 2026
India’s ride-hailing market is about to see a major structural shift with the upcoming launch of Bharat Taxi, a government-backed, driver-owned mobility platform positioned as a direct alternative to Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
Following a successful pilot in Delhi, Bharat Taxi is scheduled to officially launch by the end of January, with plans to expand operations across multiple cities, according to a PTI report.
Strong Early Traction During Pilot Phase
Bharat Taxi was soft-launched in Delhi last month, and early adoption metrics indicate encouraging momentum:
- ~5,500 rides per day currently being completed
- Strong demand for airport rides, alongside steady city usage
- Over 1.4 lakh drivers onboarded even before the formal launch
The early traction suggests pent-up demand for an alternative model in a market where driver dissatisfaction with commissions and incentives has been growing.
Zero-Commission Model: The Key Differentiator
Unlike private aggregators that charge drivers commissions ranging from 15% to over 30% per ride, Bharat Taxi follows a zero-commission model.
Drivers keep 100% of their fare earnings, making the platform especially attractive at a time when fuel costs, vehicle EMIs, and maintenance expenses are rising.
The platform is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, a driver-owned cooperative supported by major national institutions including:
- Amul
- IFFCO
- NABARD
- NAFED
Importantly, drivers also have elected representatives on the board, ensuring direct participation in governance and decision-making.
Government Push for Driver Ownership
Bharat Taxi is an initiative led by the Ministry of Cooperation and was first announced in March 2025 by Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.
The broader objective is to:
- Reduce dependence on private ride-hailing aggregators
- Give drivers ownership, profit participation, and platform control
- Promote cooperative-led digital platforms aligned with India’s grassroots economy
Commenting on the rollout, Pankaj Kumar Bansal, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Cooperation, said:
“We have received a very good response for the Bharat Taxi service during the soft launch. The official launch will be done by month-end.”
Features, Safety, and Integration
Bharat Taxi supports multiple ride categories, including:
- Bikes
- Auto-rickshaws
- Taxis
- Four-wheelers
Key platform features include:
- Transparent pricing with no surge charges
- Live ride tracking
- Verified drivers
- Trip-sharing options for enhanced passenger safety
The app is also integrated with Metro services and works closely with the Delhi Police to improve ride monitoring and security infrastructure.
A Direct Challenge to the Existing Ride-Hailing Model
Bharat Taxi’s cooperative ownership structure represents a fundamental departure from the venture-backed, commission-driven ride-hailing model.
If the platform can:
- Maintain service quality
- Ensure rider reliability
- Scale efficiently beyond metros
…it could force private players to rethink pricing, commissions, and driver incentives.
Why This Matters
India’s ride-hailing market has long been criticised for:
- High driver commissions
- Algorithm-driven earnings volatility
- Limited driver voice in platform governance
Bharat Taxi introduces a platform-owned-by-drivers model backed by public institutions, aligning with broader policy themes such as cooperative capitalism and digital public infrastructure.
Final Takeaway
With strong pilot traction, zero commissions, and institutional backing, Bharat Taxi is not just another ride-hailing app — it’s a policy experiment at national scale.
As its official launch approaches, the real test will be whether Indian commuters embrace a platform built around driver ownership rather than extraction, and whether this cooperative model can sustainably compete with deeply entrenched private giants.
If successful, Bharat Taxi could redefine how platform economies operate in India — starting with mobility.
Fri Jan 02 2026
