In a major push towards modernizing India's urban mobility and expanding the cooperative sector into emerging domains, the 'Bharat Taxi' service was officially launched in Uttar Pradesh on September 23, 2026. The rollout covers five major cities—Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur, and Prayagraj—marking a revolutionary step in cooperative-based transport services. Guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi' (Prosperity through Cooperation) and under the stewardship of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, the initiative aims to empower drivers by making them direct stakeholders and owners in the transport ecosystem.

The formal launch event in Lucknow was addressed by Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Shri Murlidhar Mohol, alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Brajesh Pathak, and several other senior state cabinet ministers. Over 50,000 citizens and cooperative stakeholders across various districts of Uttar Pradesh tuned into the launch program virtually, showcasing massive grassroots enthusiasm for the citizen-centric mobility model.

Key Highlights & Major Announcements

  • Launch Locations: Bharat Taxi goes live simultaneously in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur, and Prayagraj.
  • Core Business Model: Built on the principle of “Driver is the Owner,” ensuring drivers are equity-holding stakeholders rather than mere service providers.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Lucknow Airport Authority, Lucknow Metro Rail, and Lucknow Police formally exchanged Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Bharat Taxi to streamline commuter transit.
  • Digital Governance Portals: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath also launched the 'Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Yojana' Portal, Urvarak Setu Mobile App, and the UPCDC Mobile App during the event.
  • Cooperative Expansion: The Ministry of Cooperation has rolled out over 160 initiatives in five years, expanding cooperatives into mobility, organic products, storage, and healthcare.

Transforming Mobility: The 'Driver as Owner' Paradigm

Traditional app-based aggregator models often subject drivers to heavy commissions and opaque algorithmic policies. In sharp contrast, Bharat Taxi redefines the gig economy by introducing a cooperative framework where the driver is not merely a service provider but a stakeholder and owner. This cooperative mobility model ensures transparent earnings, fair compensation, and financial security for cab and auto drivers.

To ensure seamless integration into urban transport networks, strategic MoUs were signed during the launch ceremony. The partnership with Lucknow Metro Rail, Lucknow Airport Authority, and Lucknow Police will guarantee dedicated pick-up and drop zones, multi-modal transport integration, and enhanced commuter safety across major transit hubs in the state capital.

Expanding the Horizon of 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi'

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of State Shri Murlidhar Mohol highlighted the phenomenal growth of the cooperative sector since the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation in July 2021. Today, India boasts around 8.5 lakh cooperative societies with nearly 32 crore members, active across approximately 30 different economic sectors.

“Guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi' and under the leadership of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, cooperation is steadily expanding beyond traditional domains into agriculture, rural economy, and now emerging sectors such as mobility, ensuring inclusive growth for every citizen.”

Grassroots Empowerment Through PACS Computerisation

A cornerstone of the current government's cooperative strategy is the technological overhaul of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). The computerisation of approximately 80,000 PACS nationwide is underway at an estimated cost of ₹3,000 crore. These grassroot societies are being transformed into multi-activity service hubs dealing in foodgrain storage, insurance, organic items, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and petrol-diesel distribution. With revised Model Bye-Laws, PACS can now engage in over 25 distinct economic activities, creating robust employment opportunities at the village level.

Strengthening the Seed-to-Market Value Chain

The Ministry has established three major national-level multi-State cooperative societies to bridge gaps in the agricultural value chain:

  • Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL): Focused on quality seed production.
  • National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL): Promoting organic farming and marketing.
  • National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL): Boosting the global export of Indian cooperative products.

Already, around 70,000 cooperative societies across India have aligned with these entities, delivering direct financial gains to farmers.

Significance & National Impact

The launch of Bharat Taxi in Uttar Pradesh represents a vital paradigm shift in how urban mobility services operate in Tier-1 and Tier-2 Indian cities. By leveraging cooperative principles in the tech-driven gig economy, the government is setting a precedent for fair labor practices and equitable wealth distribution. Furthermore, the financial commitment to cooperatives—evident from the National Cooperative Development Corporation's (NCDC) financial assistance scaling from ₹45,000 crore (pre-2014) to nearly ₹4.5 lakh crore over the past 12 years—demonstrates an unprecedented political and financial resolve to uplift the rural and urban workforce alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Bharat Taxi?

Bharat Taxi is a newly launched cooperative-based cab and mobility service operating on the principle of "Driver is the Owner," ensuring that drivers hold a stakeholder stake in the cooperative rather than facing high aggregator commissions.

Which cities in Uttar Pradesh have received the Bharat Taxi service?

In its initial rollout phase, Bharat Taxi has been launched in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur, and Prayagraj.

How does Bharat Taxi differ from private ride-hailing apps?

Unlike commercial ride-hailing applications where private companies retain major revenue shares and dictate opaque terms, Bharat Taxi functions on cooperative ownership principles, ensuring drivers earn fair, transparent wages with ownership rights.

Which ministry oversees the Bharat Taxi initiative?

The initiative is spearheaded and supported by the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, as part of its modern cooperative expansion strategy.

Official Source & Verification

This article is grounded on the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India (Release ID: 2314086, Ministry of Cooperation). Access the official document: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2314086&lang=1.