Mumbai: City commuters now have a new ride-hailing option as the Bharat Taxi app officially goes live in Mumbai. Designed as a government-backed mobility platform, Bharat Taxi aims to provide affordable, safer, and driver-friendly transport services while directly competing with private aggregators like Uber and Rapido.

Both passenger and driver-facing apps are now available for download and registration. While ride bookings will begin from the first week of May, users can already create accounts and complete onboarding.

The service was launched by Union Minister and North Mumbai MP Piyush Goyal at an event in Kandivali West, where he described the initiative as more than just a transport app.

He called it a socio-economic intervention designed to turn drivers into stakeholders rather than simply service providers.

Driver Onboarding Has Started

Bharat Taxi has already begun onboarding drivers across Mumbai, with a strong focus on building a large EV-based fleet.

Passengers will soon be able to book:

• Electric autos
• Electric kaali-peeli taxis

The platform is positioning electric mobility at the centre of its operations, with plans to encourage drivers to shift from older petrol and CNG vehicles to electric vehicles.

To strengthen adoption, the government has partnered with Mumbai’s largest auto and taxi union led by Shashank Sharad Rao, helping permit holders join the platform more easily.

According to officials, over 25,000 driver downloads have already been recorded in Mumbai before the full passenger launch.

How To Use Bharat Taxi App

Using the Bharat Taxi app is expected to be simple for both passengers and drivers.

For Passengers:

• Download the Bharat Taxi app from the app store
• Register using your mobile number
• Complete profile setup
• Save your preferred payment options
• Once bookings go live in May, select pickup and destination
• Choose between available EV autos or taxis
• Confirm ride and track the vehicle in real-time

For Drivers:

• Download the driver app
• Submit required documents including permits and ID proof
• Complete police verification
• Register vehicle details
• Begin onboarding for active ride operations

Officials say the app is designed to offer a seamless onboarding experience while maintaining strict compliance standards.

Key Features Of Bharat Taxi App

The platform comes with several features aimed at improving safety, affordability, and driver welfare.

1. Safety Features

Passenger safety has been made a major priority with:

• SOS emergency button
• Local police integration
• Mandatory police verification for all drivers
• Real-time emergency response systems

These measures aim to improve trust and security for riders.

2. Meter-Based Fares

Unlike surge-pricing models often seen on private apps, Bharat Taxi will operate with strict meter-based fares.

This is expected to:

• Standardise pricing
• Reduce fare disputes
• Build greater passenger trust
• Keep ride costs affordable

3. Minimal Commission Model

The app follows a low-commission structure so that:

• Drivers earn more
• Passengers pay less

This directly challenges the higher commission structures used by private aggregators.

4. EV Support Through Mudra Loans

Drivers joining the platform can access:

• Mudra loans at around 9.5% interest
• Bulk purchase discounts through vehicle manufacturers
• Government-backed support for EV adoption

This is expected to accelerate the shift toward cleaner transport in Mumbai.

How Bharat Taxi Is Different From Uber And Rapido

The biggest difference lies in Bharat Taxi’s cooperative model.

Unlike private aggregators like Uber and Rapido, Bharat Taxi is structured to reduce heavy commission deductions and improve driver ownership.

Piyush Goyal said the platform aims to eliminate the commission burden imposed by private app-based services.

“This platform will improve driver livelihoods while also helping introduce electric taxis and autos at scale,” he said.

The government believes this model can create a more sustainable and equitable ride-hailing ecosystem.

Already Active In Other Cities

Bharat Taxi is already operational in:

• Delhi NCR
• Gujarat
• Lucknow

Across these regions, the platform has reportedly onboarded:

• Over 5.17 lakh drivers
• Nearly 50 lakh passengers

Mumbai now becomes its next major expansion market, and given the city’s large taxi and auto network, rapid growth is expected.

Conclusion

With registration now open and bookings set to begin in May, Bharat Taxi is preparing to become a major player in Mumbai’s transport ecosystem.

Its focus on electric vehicles, driver welfare, safety tools, and fair pricing makes it a strong alternative to traditional ride-hailing apps.

For Mumbai commuters and drivers alike, Bharat Taxi could represent a major shift toward a more affordable, transparent, and cooperative transport model.