‘Bharat’ Taxi: Cooperatives Launch ₹300-Crore Ride-Hailing Platform to Rival Ola and Uber

In a bold move to shake up India’s ride-hailing market, a consortium of eight major cooperative organizations has announced the launch of ‘Bharat’ Taxi, a nationwide cooperative-driven taxi service designed to compete with industry giants Ola and Uber. With an authorized capital of ₹300 crore and 200 drivers already onboarded, this initiative marks a significant shift in how transportation services could evolve in India.

Who’s Behind ‘Bharat’ Taxi?

The new entity, called the Multi-State Sahakari Taxi Cooperative Ltd, was officially registered on June 6, 2025. It is backed entirely by eight founding cooperative institutions: NCDC, IFFCO, GCMMF (Amul), KRIBHCO, NABARD, NDDB, NCEL, and others—without any government equity involved.

This initiative was first hinted at by Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah during the launch of the new National Cooperative Policy, and it reflects a broader goal of enhancing cooperative participation in key sectors, including digital and urban services.

What Makes Bharat Taxi Different?

Unlike privately-held cab aggregators, Bharat Taxi will function on a cooperative pricing model, prioritizing fair earnings for drivers and affordable fares for users. By cutting out intermediary commissions, the cooperative promises a transparent and community-focused model that serves both urban and rural markets.

A nationwide membership drive is underway, with the first 200 drivers already enrolled from Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The cooperative aims to scale up by partnering with more regional co-ops.

Technology and Strategy Development

A technology partner is being selected via tender to build the app-based ride-booking platform, which is scheduled for launch by the end of 2025. The app will function uniformly across India, unlike current city-specific cab networks.

The cooperative has also onboarded a technology consultant and is working with the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B) to develop its marketing and expansion strategies.

A Cooperative Model for the Future

The Bharat Taxi initiative is more than just a cab service. It represents a significant paradigm shift in public transport ownership and governance—moving from VC-backed tech monopolies to community-led enterprises. This model is expected to empower drivers through collective ownership while keeping user interests front and center.