Bharat Taxi Launches At Navi Mumbai International Airport

Government Backed Cooperative Taxi Service Begins in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra Government has launched Bharat Taxi at the Navi Mumbai International Airport, introducing a new government backed cooperative ride hailing service. The initiative aims to provide affordable taxi services for passengers while giving drivers a larger share of their earnings through a cooperative ownership model.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the service on Thursday in the presence of Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Maharashtra Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil, senior government officials, public representatives and members of the cooperative sector.

The launch marks Maharashtra's entry into the Bharat Taxi network after similar services were introduced in Delhi and Gujarat.

Bharat Taxi Offers Cooperative Ownership to Drivers

Bharat Taxi has been developed jointly by the Government of Maharashtra and the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India. Unlike private cab aggregators, the platform allows taxi drivers to become members and shareholders of a cooperative society.

Under this model, drivers receive ride payments directly into their bank accounts. They also become eligible to receive dividends whenever the cooperative earns profits. The platform follows a low service fee model and does not charge high commissions that are common on many private ride hailing platforms.

The government said this approach will improve the financial security of drivers while making transport services more affordable for passengers.

No Surge Pricing and Transparent Fare System

Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said app based taxi services have made travel easier but many drivers continue to face high commission charges and passengers often pay higher fares during peak demand.

He said Bharat Taxi removes these concerns by offering transparent fares without surge pricing. According to him, passengers will not face sudden fare increases during festivals, heavy rainfall or other busy periods.

The Chief Minister added that the cooperative model ensures that drivers become partners in the business instead of remaining only service providers. Any profits earned by the cooperative are shared with its members, creating long term financial benefits for drivers.

Thousands of Local Jobs Expected Near Navi Mumbai Airport

The Maharashtra Government believes the new service will also generate significant employment opportunities around the Navi Mumbai International Airport.

Fadnavis welcomed the agreement signed with the Late D. B. Patil Cooperative Transport Society and said the initiative is expected to create jobs and self employment opportunities for nearly 3,000 to 4,000 local youth living near the airport.

The government also said Bharat Taxi will focus on passenger safety, reliable service and stronger security measures, especially for women travellers.

Affordable Travel Option for Airport Passengers

Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil said Bharat Taxi combines digital booking technology with transparent pricing and cooperative ownership. He said the platform will help drivers earn a dignified livelihood while giving passengers a dependable and budget friendly transport option.

With Navi Mumbai International Airport preparing to expand passenger operations, the government expects Bharat Taxi to become an important part of the airport's transport network.

Industry experts believe airport taxi services are becoming increasingly important as passenger traffic grows across major Indian cities. Government backed platforms such as Bharat Taxi could provide an alternative for travellers looking for predictable fares and reliable service.

Eight Lakh Drivers Already Registered Across India

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol said Bharat Taxi was created to reduce the dependence of taxi and auto rickshaw drivers on private ride hailing companies.

He said the platform has already enrolled around eight lakh drivers across India and currently facilitates nearly 11,000 rides every day. According to him, about Rs 77 crore has already been transferred directly into drivers' bank accounts through the platform.

Following its rollout in Delhi, Gandhinagar and now Maharashtra, the government plans to expand Bharat Taxi to Nagpur and Pune in the coming months.

Cooperative Movement Enters the Digital Mobility Sector

The launch of Bharat Taxi reflects the Centre's broader effort to expand India's cooperative movement into new sectors beyond agriculture and banking.

Mohol said the government has already registered around 40,000 new cooperative societies as part of its national target of establishing two lakh cooperative societies. He also highlighted the Centre's investment of nearly Rs 3,000 crore to modernise Primary Agricultural Credit Societies through computerisation.

Officials said Bharat Taxi demonstrates how cooperative institutions can use digital technology to create sustainable business models while protecting the interests of workers.

Driver Welfare Remains the Core Focus

Principal Secretary of the Cooperation and Marketing Department, Praveen Darade, said Bharat Taxi combines technology with cooperative ownership to improve the lives of drivers.

He said the platform follows a zero commission approach, offers affordable membership and provides emergency insurance cover of up to Rs 5 lakh. These features are designed to strengthen drivers' financial security and social welfare.

Darade added that organisations including NCDC, IFFCO, NAFED, Amul, KRIBHCO, NDDB, NABARD and NCUI are supporting the expansion of Bharat Taxi across the country.

Bharat Taxi Signals a New Phase for India's Mobility Sector

With the launch at Navi Mumbai International Airport, Maharashtra has taken a major step towards introducing a cooperative model in India's app based transport sector. By combining transparent pricing, driver ownership, direct payments and affordable travel, Bharat Taxi aims to create a more balanced mobility ecosystem that benefits both passengers and drivers while supporting employment and the growth of the cooperative movement.