In a bold step to transform India’s ride-hailing industry, the government has unveiled plans for ‘Sahkar Taxi,’ a cooperative-based service set to challenge Ola and Uber. Announced on March 27, this initiative puts drivers at the forefront, ensuring they take home 100% of their earnings—a stark contrast to private operators that deduct hefty commissions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah linked the project to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation), emphasizing its role in empowering drivers and boosting grassroots employment.
Unlike conventional app-based services, Sahkar Taxi cuts out intermediaries, meaning higher profits for drivers and a more sustainable model for urban transport. A dedicated app is being developed to ensure smooth bookings for passengers while maintaining a driver-centric approach.
Authorities indicate that the rollout will begin in major cities in the coming weeks, though an official launch date is yet to be announced. Industry experts predict that thousands of new jobs will be created through this initiative, offering a much-needed boost to the transport sector.
This move comes at a time when Ola and Uber face increasing criticism over high commission rates, pricing policies, and driver dissatisfaction. As excitement builds, commuters and industry watchers eagerly await to see whether Sahkar Taxi can truly disrupt India’s ride-hailing landscape and offer a fairer alternative for drivers.
