At the launch event, Amit Shah stated that taxis have evolved from a luxury service into an essential part of daily life for millions of citizens. He further noted the sector’s expansion, highlighting that even two-wheelers are now widely used as taxis during large gatherings such as the Kumbh Mela.
The Home Minister launched a sharp critique of existing private ride-hailing companies, accusing them of systematically exploiting drivers through unfair commission structures and arbitrary account restrictions. He alleged that corporate platforms retain disproportionate shares of earnings while exposing workers to financial insecurity and operational uncertainty.
To counter this model, the government has promoted a cooperative framework inspired by the Amul dairy cooperative system. Amit Shah emphasized that the initiative is designed to ensure fairness for both passengers and service providers, eliminating exploitation on either side of the ecosystem. He stated that approximately 700,000 drivers have already joined as shareholders and co-owners of the cooperative, securing long-term financial participation in the platform.
Addressing concerns regarding pricing, Shah rejected claims that Bharat Taxi charges higher fares. He further criticized competing applications for temporarily reducing fares, calling it a deliberate attempt to destabilize the new cooperative platform and push it out of the market through aggressive pricing strategies.
He asserted that Bharat Taxi would remain resilient against such market pressures and continue its operations without retreating. According to him, the platform is committed to long-term stability despite competitive challenges from established private players.
The initiative has already progressed through trial operations in multiple regions and has formalized its expansion in Gujarat through agreements with key institutions, including Ahmedabad Airport and the municipal corporation. The platform will operate across multiple segments, including two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and four-wheelers.
Amit Shah placed responsibility for the platform’s success jointly on drivers and users, drawing parallels with the long-standing success of cooperative models in India. He emphasized that cooperative enterprises can thrive alongside private companies when supported by collective participation and trust.
He concluded that the success of Bharat Taxi would depend on shared commitment, stating that both service providers and customers must work together to strengthen the system and ensure its sustainability in the competitive mobility market.
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