Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced in Parliament that a new government-backed ride-hailing platform, Bharat Taxi, is scheduled to launch next month.
He explained that the initiative is designed around principles of cooperation, transparency, and collective ownership, positioning it as a citizen-focused alternative to existing private cab services. Once the necessary approvals are completed, the rollout is expected in January 2026.
In his written statement to the Lok Sabha, Shah highlighted that the app aims to reduce drivers’ reliance on private aggregators and allow them to retain the full income from each trip. He also noted that the cooperative society managing the service - Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Ltd. (STCL) - will share profits directly with registered drivers.
The minister outlined several features of the upcoming app, including a multilingual interface, real-time vehicle tracking, and round-the-clock customer support. The platform will also emphasize secure onboarding, transparent fares, inclusive mobility options, and technology-driven safety measures.
The service has already undergone pilot testing, beginning with a rollout at Delhi International Airport on November 10, followed by an introduction in Rajkot, Gujarat. Early adoption has been strong, with more than 37,000 drivers registered by the end of November.
Government plans reportedly include expanding Bharat Taxi to major metro cities by March 2026, with a longer-term goal of onboarding 100,000 drivers by 2030.
SUMMARY
- Home minister Amit Shah said that the new app will look to free the country's commercial vehicle drivers from their dependency on private companies
- Speaking about the features of the new service, Shah added that the app will support a multilingual interface, vehicle tracking and 24/7 customer service
- This comes a month after the Centre began piloting the new offering last month, first at the Delhi International Airport and then in Gujarat’s Rajkot
