New Delhi, February 5, 2026 – Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah formally launched ‘Bharat Taxi,’ India’s first cooperative-based taxi service, during a ceremony held today. The initiative marks a significant shift in the transport sector by introducing a cooperative model designed to empower drivers and enhance social security.

In his address, Shri Shah emphasized that Bharat Taxi is built on the principle of driver ownership. Unlike traditional ride-hailing platforms, this model aims to foster collective strength and participation among the taxi community, ensuring that the benefits of the service remain with the “Sarathis” (drivers) themselves.

As part of the launch, the Union Minister felicitated five top-performing Sarathis for their outstanding contributions and commitment to the model. Highlighting the government’s focus on driver welfare, the Minister distributed personal accident insurance certificates and family health insurance coverage worth ₹5 lakh to the honored drivers.

Shri Shah noted that the cooperative framework would provide a robust social security net for drivers, which has often been a challenge in the gig economy. By integrating health and accident insurance into the cooperative structure, Bharat Taxi aims to offer long-term stability and dignity to those in the transport profession.

The Ministry of Cooperation stated that this service is a pilot for a broader vision to transform India’s transport landscape through the “Sahakar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) initiative. The launch rally served as a demonstration of unity within the national taxi community, signaling a new chapter for cooperative ventures in modern service sectors.