Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has officially launched the BHARAT TAXI service at the Navi Mumbai International Airport, introducing a cooperative ride-hailing platform aimed at providing affordable fares for passengers and better earnings for drivers.
The service was inaugurated during a joint event organised by the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Maharashtra Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil, and other dignitaries.
The new platform seeks to offer an alternative to existing app-based ride-hailing services by adopting a cooperative ownership model that directly connects passengers with drivers.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that while app-based ride aggregators have improved urban transportation, passengers often experience higher fares during peak demand due to dynamic pricing, and drivers typically pay significant commissions.
According to the Chief Minister, BHARAT TAXI addresses these challenges by:
- Directly connecting passengers with drivers.
- Eliminating intermediary commissions.
- Promoting transparent fare structures.
- Supporting driver ownership through a cooperative model.
The initiative is intended to create a more balanced and sustainable ride-hailing ecosystem. BHARAT TAXI will operate with a fare system similar to Mumbai’s traditional black-and-yellow taxi services.
Proposed Fare Structure
| Fare Component | Charges |
|---|---|
| First 1.5 kilometres | ₹31 |
| Every additional kilometre | ₹21 |
The fixed pricing model is designed to provide predictable fares for passengers while avoiding surge pricing during periods of high demand. The BHARAT TAXI platform offers multiple transportation options through a single mobile application.
Passengers will be able to book:
- Cars
- Auto-rickshaws
- Bike taxis
The integrated platform aims to improve convenience while providing flexible travel choices for different commuting needs. Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol highlighted that the cooperative model transforms drivers from service providers into members and co-owners of the organisation.
According to the minister:
- Nearly 8 lakh drivers from across India have joined the cooperative.
- Around ₹77 crore has already been transferred directly to drivers’ bank accounts.
- Payments have been made without commission deductions.
The cooperative structure allows participating drivers to share in the organisation’s profits through dividends.
The introduction of BHARAT TAXI at Navi Mumbai International Airport is expected to improve transportation options for passengers arriving at one of India’s newest aviation hubs.
Airport-based operations may help:
- Enhance last-mile connectivity.
- Provide transparent airport taxi services.
- Improve passenger convenience.
- Expand earning opportunities for local drivers.
The launch could also support increasing travel demand as the airport expands its operations.The launch of BHARAT TAXI reflects a growing interest in cooperative business models within India’s mobility sector.
Potential benefits include:
- Transparent fare structures.
- Reduced dependence on surge pricing.
- Higher earnings for drivers through lower commission costs.
- Greater financial participation through cooperative ownership.
- Increased competition in the ride-hailing market.
If adopted widely, the model could offer commuters additional transportation choices while supporting driver welfare.
