India’s ride hailing market is about to see a major change with the launch of Bharat Taxi, a new government backed cab service. The platform is designed as an alternative to private apps like Uber and Ola and will be managed through a cooperative model. Bharat Taxi is set to begin operations in New Delhi from January 1, 2026.
The idea behind Bharat Taxi is simple. Offer fair prices to passengers and better earnings to drivers, without sudden price hikes during peak hours or bad weather.
Fixed pricing without surge charges
One of the biggest differences between Bharat Taxi and existing ride apps is pricing. Unlike Uber and Ola, which use surge pricing during rush hours, rain, or high demand, Bharat Taxi will follow a fixed and predictable fare structure supported by the government. This means users will know the price upfront and will not face unexpected fare spikes.
At launch, the app will support multiple ride options, including auto rickshaws, hatchbacks, sedans, and bike taxis. By keeping fares stable and affordable, Bharat Taxi aims to become a reliable option for daily travel in the city.
Better earnings for drivers
Bharat Taxi is also focusing heavily on driver welfare. Under its revenue model, drivers are expected to keep more than 80 percent of the total fare. This is much higher than what private ride hailing platforms usually offer after commission cuts.
Because of this driver friendly approach, the platform has already seen strong interest. Reports suggest that around 56,000 drivers across the Delhi NCR region have signed up even before the service officially starts.
Launch date and app availability
The Bharat Taxi app is expected to be available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store by the end of December. Ride bookings will go live exactly at midnight on January 1, 2026.
With over 50,000 vehicles ready to hit the roads from day one, Bharat Taxi aims to reduce dependence on high commission cab apps and offer a fairer deal for both passengers and drivers in the capital.
