Delhi is preparing for a major change in urban transportation with the upcoming launch of the government-backed Bharat Taxi app on January 1, 2026. Designed as an alternative to existing private ride-hailing platforms, Bharat Taxi aims to offer a fair, transparent and driver-friendly mobility solution. The initiative reflects the government’s broader push to strengthen cooperative models and ensure more equitable income distribution in the gig economy.
The app is expected to cater to millions of daily commuters in the national capital, while also addressing long-standing concerns raised by drivers regarding commissions, income stability and platform control.
A Cooperative Model Focused on Driver Welfare
One of the most notable aspects of Bharat Taxi is its cooperative ownership structure. Unlike private cab aggregators, the platform is backed by a government-supported cooperative body, ensuring that drivers are not just service providers but also key stakeholders in the ecosystem.
Under this model, drivers will receive up to 80 percent of the total fare, which is significantly higher than what most existing ride-hailing apps offer. In some cases, drivers may even retain the full fare, with minimal operational costs shared collectively through the cooperative. This approach is expected to improve driver earnings, reduce dependency on incentives, and bring greater financial security to thousands of drivers operating in Delhi.
Transparent Pricing With No Surge Charges
For passengers, Bharat Taxi promises clear and predictable pricing. One of the biggest pain points for users of private cab apps has been sudden surge pricing during peak hours, bad weather or festive seasons. Bharat Taxi aims to eliminate this uncertainty by following a no-surge pricing policy.
Fares will be displayed upfront on the app before booking, allowing commuters to know the exact cost of their ride in advance. This transparency is expected to build trust among users and make daily travel more affordable, especially for office-goers and regular commuters.
Multiple Travel Options on a Single Platform
At launch, the Bharat Taxi app will support multiple modes of transport, including car taxis, auto-rickshaws and bike taxis. This wide range of options ensures that users can choose rides based on distance, urgency and budget.
The app will be available on both Android and iOS platforms and is expected to feature a user-friendly and multilingual interface, making it accessible to a diverse population. Key features include real-time ride tracking, verified drivers, digital payments and round-the-clock customer support to ensure a smooth experience for both riders and drivers.
Strong Early Interest From Drivers
Even before its official launch, Bharat Taxi has seen strong interest from the driver community. Reports suggest that tens of thousands of drivers in Delhi have already registered on the platform, attracted by the promise of higher earnings and fairer working conditions.
Pilot testing and soft trials have reportedly been conducted to fine-tune the app’s performance, navigation and booking experience. Feedback from these early tests is expected to help improve the platform ahead of its full-scale rollout in the capital.
Potential Impact on India’s Ride-Hailing Ecosystem
The entry of Bharat Taxi could mark a turning point for India’s ride-hailing industry. By combining government backing with a cooperative structure, the platform aims to balance the interests of drivers and commuters while promoting sustainable urban mobility.
If successful in Delhi, Bharat Taxi is likely to expand to other major cities across India in phases. The initiative could also set a precedent for how technology-driven platforms can operate responsibly while supporting livelihoods.
As the January 2026 launch approaches, Bharat Taxi is being closely watched as a homegrown alternative that could reshape how Indians think about app-based transportation.