A new player is preparing to challenge the familiar ride booking apps used daily across Indian cities. Bharat Taxi is set to launch nationwide on January 1, 2026, and early signs suggest it is taking a very different path from existing platforms like Uber, Ola, and Rapido.
For many urban commuters, app based cabs are convenient but not always pleasant. Issues such as poor hygiene and frequent surge pricing continue to frustrate users. Bharat Taxi aims to address these concerns through a cooperative driven approach that focuses on transparency and driver ownership.
Unlike privately run competitors, Bharat Taxi operates as a “cooperative” model. The service is run by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited and is backed by well known institutions such as Amul, IFFCO, and NABARD. The government of India is the largest promoter of the initiative, although the service itself is not officially government owned.
The platform is scheduled for a full rollout next year, but trial runs are already underway in select areas including Delhi and parts of Gujarat. The Bharat Taxi app is currently available on both Android and iOS. While it is not labelled as a beta version, early users report frequent bugs and crashes, along with missing features that are expected to be added before the January launch.
The app design and registration flow resemble other government-backed digital platforms. Users must sign up using their name, email address, and mobile number, followed by setting up an MPIN similar to banking and UPI apps.
At present, the app does not support instant ride bookings. On both Android and iOS, users can only book rentals scheduled 2 hours or later, airport transfers, or outstation trips. It remains unclear whether on demand bookings will be added in the final release.
What is confirmed is real time vehicle tracking and a transparent fare structure. Bharat Taxi promises to eliminate surge pricing and ensure that drivers receive 80 percent of total earnings. This model has reportedly attracted more than 51,000 driver enrolments within 10 days of the official announcement.
Safety measures include integration with Delhi Police and other agencies, 24×7 customer support, ride sharing features for users, and strict driver verification.
While it is too early to judge real world performance, especially with app stability issues still present, Bharat Taxi appears promising. With strong institutional backing and government support, it could bring meaningful change to India’s ride booking ecosystem if it delivers on its commitments.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
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