Bharat Taxi launched in Maharashtra with cooperative mobility model

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday launched the Bharat Taxi service in the state, extending the cooperative-based ride-hailing platform after its rollout in Delhi and Gujarat. The initiative aims to provide transparent, affordable transport services while making drivers shareholders and owners of the platform.The service was launched at Navi Mumbai International Airport in the presence of Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, representatives of the cooperative sector, transport organisations and taxi drivers associated with the platform,according to sources.
Introduced under the Ministry of Cooperation as part of the Centre's 'Sahakar Se Samriddhi' vision, Bharat Taxi seeks to promote a cooperative model in the transportation sector. Unlike conventional app-based taxi aggregators, the platform makes drivers, referred to as "Sarathis", members, shareholders and owners of the cooperative institution instead of merely service providers.
Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis said the initiative extends the cooperative movement into Maharashtra's transport sector and offers an alternative to existing app-based taxi services by eliminating surge pricing, hidden charges and high aggregator commissions. The platform will operate on a fixed service-fee model, ensuring transparent fares and better financial returns for drivers through profit-sharing.The Chief Minister said Bharat Taxi would provide passengers with safe, reliable and accountable transport services while prioritising women's safety. He also announced an agreement with the late D. B. Patil Cooperative Transport Association under which around 3,000 to 4,000 local youth living near Navi Mumbai International Airport are expected to receive credit support to purchase taxis and join the platform, creating new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Driving a New Era of Cooperative and Digital Mobility with Bharat Taxi!

Delighted to flag off the Bharat Taxi Service at Navi Mumbai International Airport today.

As a significant milestone, Bharat Taxi has been launched in Maharashtra, following its successful rollout in Delhi… https://t.co/RtFWnBNE04 pic.twitter.com/AqdMYejAL5

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 23, 2026

Speaking at the launch, Mohol described Bharat Taxi as a new chapter in Maharashtra's cooperative movement. He said the Ministry of Cooperation, established in 2021, has undertaken around 152 initiatives to strengthen the cooperative sector, including a new National Cooperation Policy, expansion of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and the creation of two lakh new multipurpose cooperative societies.He said nearly 40,000 new cooperative societies have already been established, while PACS are being computerised and diversified into multiple business activities. Cooperative institutions are also operating Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, Common Service Centres, petrol pumps and Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country.Mohol added that Maharashtra has one of India's strongest cooperative networks and highlighted financial assistance of nearly Rs10,000 crore provided to cooperative sugar mills through the National Cooperative Development Corporation. He also urged youth and women to join Bharat Taxi, saying the platform would generate employment while making drivers partners in the institution's profits.
During the event, share certificates and service kits were distributed to drivers joining the platform. Bharat Taxi will be expanded across Maharashtra in phases through partnerships with cooperative institutions, transport organisations and local bodies, with the objective of creating a driver-owned mobility ecosystem offering stable incomes and transparent pricing.