The Airports Authority of India (AAI) signed a key agreement with Bharat Taxi to improve last-mile connectivity at select airports. The partnership focuses on providing fair pricing, reliable service, and better passenger experience. This move also supports cooperative-based business models and aligns with national development goals.
AAI-Bharat Taxi MoU
- Airports Authority of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Taxi.
- The MoU was exchanged by AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar. This agreement aims to introduce regulated, transparent, and passenger-friendly taxi services at several AAI-managed airports, marking a major step in improving airport-side urban mobility.
What Is Bharat Taxi and How It Is Different
- Bharat Taxi is India’s first driver-owned cooperative taxi service, operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd.
- Unlike app-based ride-hailing platforms, Bharat Taxi follows a no-surge pricing model.
- This ensures passengers pay fair and predictable fares, while drivers enjoy ownership, income security, and dignity.
- The platform is promoted by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and backed by leading cooperative institutions.
Airports Covered Under the AAI-Bharat Taxi Plan
- Under this collaboration, Bharat Taxi services are proposed to start at airports in Rajkot, Vadodara, Surat, Bhuj, Pune, Aurangabad, Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Agra.
- These airports largely serve regional and tier-2 cities.
- The move is expected to significantly enhance last-mile connectivity for passengers travelling to and from these locations, especially where transport options are limited or expensive.
How the MoU Improves Passenger Experience
- The AAI-Bharat Taxi partnership focuses on transparent pricing, reliability, and safety.
- Passengers will get clearly defined fares without sudden price hikes.
- Regulated operations within airport premises will reduce confusion and disputes.
- This structured system is expected to improve trust in airport taxi services and ensure a smoother end-to-end travel experience, especially for first-time flyers and elderly passengers.
Boost to Cooperative Economy and Drivers
- This initiative strongly supports the cooperative movement in India.
- By integrating Bharat Taxi at airports, drivers become direct stakeholders rather than commission-based workers.
- The model ensures better income stability and social security.
- It aligns with national initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, Sahakar se Samriddhi, and the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Key Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Why in News? | AAI signed MoU with Bharat Taxi |
| Objective | Regulated, surge-free airport taxis |
| Taxi Model | Driver-owned cooperative |
| Airports Covered | 10 regional airports |
| National Alignment | Atmanirbhar Bharat, Sahakar se Samriddhi |
Question
Q. Which organization signed an MoU with Bharat Taxi for airport cab services?
A. DGCA
B. Ministry of Road Transport
C. Airports Authority of India
D. NITI Aayog