By Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday launched Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-based ride-hailing platform in Gujarat, positioning it as a driver-centric alternative to existing app-based taxi services. Calling it a major step towards empowering transport workers, Shah said the new platform has been designed to ensure that drivers become stakeholders in the business instead of merely working for private companies.
Addressing the launch event in Gandhinagar, Shah said India’s transport landscape has changed dramatically over the years, with taxi services becoming an essential part of everyday life rather than a luxury. He noted that app-based mobility has expanded across vehicle categories, including two-wheelers, making affordable transport accessible to millions.
Without naming any specific company, Shah criticised existing ride-hailing platforms, alleging that many private aggregators have built their business models at the expense of drivers. He claimed such companies often retain a large share of earnings, suspend driver accounts without adequate justification and create systems that leave operators with little control over their livelihoods.
To address these concerns, the government has backed Bharat Taxi under the cooperative model, drawing inspiration from the success of Gujarat’s dairy cooperative movement led by Amul. According to Shah, the initiative is built on the principle that both passengers and service providers should benefit from a transparent and fair ecosystem.
The Home Minister said nearly seven lakh drivers have already joined the platform as shareholders, making them co-owners of the enterprise. He stressed that this structure would offer drivers greater financial security, dignity and a direct stake in the platform’s future growth.
“Drivers should receive respect, security and prosperity along with employment,” Shah said, adding that Bharat Taxi aims to eliminate practices that, according to him, have disadvantaged transport workers on other platforms.
The service has already completed pilot operations and officially begins its expansion in Gujarat with agreements signed with key institutions, including Ahmedabad Airport and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. Bharat Taxi will initially provide services through two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws and four-wheelers, with plans for wider expansion in the coming months.
Responding to reports about fare comparisons with existing ride-hailing apps, Shah dismissed claims that Bharat Taxi is charging higher prices. He alleged that rival platforms were temporarily reducing fares in an attempt to undercut the cooperative initiative and push it out of the market.
Expressing confidence in the project’s future, Shah said Bharat Taxi would continue to compete despite market challenges. He urged both drivers and customers to support the platform, arguing that cooperative enterprises can succeed against private corporations when backed by public trust.
Drawing parallels with the growth of Amul, Shah said Bharat Taxi has the potential to emerge as another successful cooperative venture if stakeholders remain committed to its vision. He concluded by saying that the platform’s long-term success will depend not only on its driver-partners but also on passengers who choose to support a cooperative model of mobility.
