The Government of India is preparing to launch ‘Sahkar Taxi’—a cooperative-based ride-hailing service designed to offer a fair, transparent, and driver-empowering alternative to industry giants Ola and Uber. The nationwide rollout, expected in the coming months, is set to transform the way Indians commute while addressing long-standing concerns about driver welfare, pricing, and platform monopolies.
Over the past decade, Ola and Uber have revolutionized urban transport in India, but not without controversy. Drivers frequently voice concerns about high commission rates, unpredictable earnings, and lack of control. Passengers, too, often face surge pricing and inconsistent service quality. The government’s ‘Sahkar Taxi’ initiative aims to address these issues by putting control back in the hands of drivers through a cooperative model.
Unlike traditional ride-hailing platforms, Sahkar Taxi will be owned and operated by driver cooperatives, with support from the government and the Ministry of Cooperation. Here’s what sets it apart:
Driver Ownership: Drivers will be stakeholders in the platform, sharing in profits and decision-making.
Transparent Pricing: The service will feature fair, regulated fares with minimal commission, ensuring better earnings for drivers and affordable rides for passengers.
No Surge Pricing: Sahkar Taxi promises to eliminate the unpredictable surge pricing that often frustrates customers.
Digital Platform: A user-friendly app will allow riders to book taxis, track rides, and make payments seamlessly, matching the technological sophistication of existing players.
The launch of Sahkar Taxi aligns with the government’s broader vision for sustainable, inclusive urban transport. By reducing dependence on a few dominant platforms, the initiative seeks to:
Encourage healthy competition and innovation in the ride-hailing sector.
Support local economies and create new employment opportunities.
Ensure that technology serves the interests of both workers and consumers.
Early reactions from driver unions and transport experts have been overwhelmingly positive. Many see Sahkar Taxi as a much-needed intervention that could set new standards for fairness and transparency in the industry.
“For too long, drivers have been at the mercy of algorithms and opaque policies. Sahkar Taxi could finally give us a voice and a fair share,”— Ramesh Kumar, Taxi Driver, Delhi
Industry analysts predict that if successful, Sahkar Taxi could inspire similar cooperative models in other sectors, further democratizing India’s gig economy.
The government is currently finalizing the app interface, regulatory framework, and pilot programs in major cities. A nationwide rollout is expected soon, with plans to continuously upgrade features based on user feedback.
