Bharat Taxi Launched in Gujarat

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah launched the cooperation-based taxi service Bharat Taxi in Gujarat on 27 June 2026. The launch took place at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, and the platform was introduced as India’s first cooperation-based, driver-owned ride-hailing service.

Cooperative Model of Bharat Taxi

Bharat Taxi functions on the “Saarthi Hi Maalik” principle, under which the driver is treated as the owner of the service. The platform follows a zero-commission model, and the drivers, called Saarthis, retain their earnings directly. The service also provides drivers with insurance, loans, and pension-related benefits. The model is linked to the cooperative sector, which is a form of collective enterprise owned and managed by members.

Launch Coverage and Operational Plan

The service was launched in 14 major cities of Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot. The stated plan is to cover the entire state within one month of the launch. Since its soft launch in Gujarat in December 2025, the platform has registered over 1.5 lakh drivers and seven lakh customers. The service has completed more than 3,500 rides daily in the state.

Institutional Support and Cooperative Sector

The initiative is supported by eight cooperative institutions, including Amul, IFFCO, NABARD, NCDC, NDDB, NAFED, KRIBHCO, and NCEL. The project is associated with the idea of “Sahkar se Samriddhi”, a phrase used for cooperation-based development in India.

Important Facts for Exams

• Amul is a dairy cooperative federation based in Gujarat and is one of India’s best-known cooperative brands.
• IFFCO stands for Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited and is a major fertiliser cooperative in India.
• NABARD stands for National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and was established in 1982.
• NCDC stands for National Cooperative Development Corporation and works for the promotion of cooperative societies in India.

Gujarat and Cooperative Movement

Gujarat has a long association with the cooperative movement in dairy, credit, and agriculture-linked institutions. Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar is a major convention venue in Gujarat and has hosted several state-level and national events.