Centre launches ‘Bharat Taxi’ app to compete with Ola, Uber and Rapido

New Delhi: In a major move aimed at transforming India’s ride-hailing sector, the Union Government on Thursday launched a new taxi-booking platform named ‘Bharat Taxi’, designed to compete with private operators such as Ola, Uber and Rapido.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah officially unveiled the mobile application, stating that the initiative would empower drivers and provide affordable and transparent services to commuters.

Initially, the Bharat Taxi service will be available in Delhi, the National Capital Region (NCR) and Gujarat. Speaking at the launch event, Amit Shah announced that the service would gradually be expanded nationwide over the next three years.

“From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Dwarka to Kamakhya in Assam, Bharat Taxi services will reach every corner of the country,” he said. The key highlight of the new platform is its zero-commission model, which ensures that the entire fare collected from customers goes directly to drivers.

Unlike existing private taxi aggregators that deduct a significant commission from drivers’ earnings, Bharat Taxi aims to create a driver-friendly ecosystem. Explaining the features of the app, Shah said customers would be able to book cars, auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers through a single platform.

“This initiative is designed to benefit drivers, not companies. Their hard work will no longer be exploited through heavy commissions,” he added. At present, ride-booking services in India are dominated by companies like Uber, Ola and Rapido.

These platforms typically charge drivers a fixed percentage of commission on every ride. Over the years, many driver unions have complained that high commissions and fluctuating incentives have reduced their income and increased financial pressure.

To address these concerns, the Centre had conceptualised the Bharat Taxi project on June 5 last year under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act. The main objective of the scheme is to provide a technology-driven platform that offers fair earnings to drivers while ensuring reliable service to passengers.

According to the Union Cooperation Ministry, the response to Bharat Taxi has already been encouraging. So far, nearly three lakh drivers have joined the platform, while around one lakh users have registered. The service is currently recording nearly 10,000 rides per day, and drivers have collectively earned profits of around Rs 10 crore.

Apart from ride-booking benefits, drivers registered with Bharat Taxi will also receive additional welfare facilities under a scheme called ‘Sarathi’, which includes health insurance, accident coverage and retirement savings plans.

Officials believe that the new government-backed platform will bring healthy competition into the market, reduce dependence on private aggregators and create a more balanced and transparent ride-hailing industry in India.

Also Read: Karnataka cabinet decides to conduct local body elections using ballot papers