Amit Shah Launches Bharat Taxi Cooperative Ride-Hailing Initiative In Gujarat

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Saturday launched the cooperative ride-hailing platform “Bharat Taxi” in Gujarat at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre, marking its formal entry into the state. The initiative is being positioned as part of a wider effort to expand cooperative-based mobility services across India. The launch event also highlighted the platform’s roadmap for nationwide growth over the next two years.

The programme was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, senior state ministers, cooperative sector leaders, and thousands of drivers referred to as “Sarathis.” Officials described the gathering as a significant milestone for the cooperative movement in the transport sector, with participation reflecting strong government and institutional backing for the initiative.

Bharat Taxi, chaired by Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Managing Director Dr. Jayen Mehta, announced ambitious expansion plans during the event. The platform aims to extend its services to 125 cities and 30 major urban centres across India by March 2027. It is currently operational in limited states but is rapidly scaling its user base and driver network.

Also Read: Amit Shah To Attend Janata Darbar, Review Governance In Gujarat Today

According to data shared at the launch, nearly seven lakh drivers have already joined the platform nationwide, while 38 to 40 lakh customers have registered on its app. In Gujarat alone, more than 1.5 lakh drivers and over seven lakh users are already associated with the service even before the formal statewide rollout. The platform emphasizes a cooperative ownership structure where drivers are also stakeholders in the system.

During the event, Bharat Taxi signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding with key institutions including Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation, Adani Airport Holdings, Airports Authority of India, the Western Railway Ahmedabad Division of Indian Railways, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, and the state traffic police. The agreements are expected to integrate ride-hailing services with airports, metro stations, and railway hubs while improving last-mile connectivity.

The platform also outlined additional features such as WhatsApp-based airport booking, Sarathi assistance centres, welfare kits for drivers, and concessional vehicle loans facilitated through State Bank of India. Officials said the service is also working with electric vehicle manufacturers to promote cleaner mobility solutions. Bharat Taxi stated that its model is built on cooperative ownership, aiming to ensure that earnings directly benefit driver-members while expanding accessible transport services across urban India.

Also Read: Gujarat Police Launches Statewide Anti-Drug Awareness Drive Across The State