In an exciting development, eight Indian cooperatives have joined forces to launch a new taxi service named Bharat. This move aims to challenge the dominance of popular ride-hailing giants like Ola and Uber. With an investment of ₹300 crore, the initiative is already off to a strong start, onboarding 200 drivers from four different states.
This effort is spearheaded by the Multi-State Sahakari Taxi Cooperative Ltd, a partnership that includes notable organizations like the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), IFFCO, and the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF). The union of these cooperatives reflects a growing trend where collective efforts are seen as a way to gain a competitive edge in various sectors.
Cooperation Minister Amit Shah previously hinted that this service would launch by the end of 2025, emphasizing the government’s support for enhancing cooperative initiatives. The focus here is clear: provide better earnings for drivers, while ensuring passengers receive quality and affordable service.
Rohit Gupta, the Deputy Managing Director of NCDC, noted that this service is entirely funded by the cooperating organizations, without any government involvement. They aim to onboard more drivers by collaborating with other cooperatives across the country.
Currently, there are 50 drivers each from Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, with plans for significant expansion. The cooperative is in the process of selecting a tech firm to develop their ride-hailing app, which is expected to launch by December. This app will unify services nationwide, making it easier for users to hail rides wherever they are.
Insights from recent data suggest that the ride-hailing market in India is growing rapidly, with an estimated valuation of over $9 billion by 2025. This presents an ideal opportunity for the Bharat taxi service to carve out its niche in a competitive landscape.
This cooperative model stands in contrast to the traditional profit-driven businesses like Ola and Uber. Developing a pricing strategy based on cooperative principles may attract both drivers and passengers who prioritize community and fairness. Social media reactions have been largely positive, with many expressing hope for an alternative that emphasizes local growth and support for drivers.
In summary, the Bharat taxi service represents a bold step for the Indian cooperative sector. By harnessing the power of collective effort, it aims to create a sustainable, equitable transportation option for passengers and drivers alike. As the launch date nears, the cooperative’s efforts may well reshape the ride-hailing landscape in India.
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