Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis launches ‘Bharat Taxi’ service in Maharashtra

In a significant step towards transforming the country’s mobility sector through cooperation, innovation and inclusive development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis launched the ‘Bharat Taxi’ service in Maharashtra at a programme held at Navi Mumbai International Airport.

The Initiative
- Launched by CM Devendra Fadnavis at Navi Mumbai International Airport.
- Part of PM Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).
- Taxi drivers (“Sarathis”) are not just drivers but owners and shareholders in the cooperative, sharing profits and decision-making.

Cooperative Context
- Maharashtra has a rich cooperative tradition with ~2.5 lakh societies (out of 8.6 lakh nationwide).
- Since the Ministry of Cooperation was established in 2021, 152 major decisions have strengthened the sector, including:
- New National Cooperation Policy.
- Target of 2 lakh new multipurpose cooperatives.
- Computerisation of PACS (₹3,000 crore investment).
- Expansion into services like petrol pumps, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and grain storage.

Benefits of Bharat Taxi
- No surge pricing, hidden charges, or aggregator commissions.
- Transparent fares with a fixed service fee.
- Sarathis receive profit shares, stabilizing incomes.
- Focus on women’s safety, courteous service, and accountability.
- Employment opportunities for 3,000–4,000 local youth near Navi Mumbai Airport via cooperative credit facilities.

Strategic Impact
- Expands cooperative principles into urban mobility.
- Strengthens Maharashtra’s cooperative ecosystem alongside sugar mills, ethanol/biogas projects, and housing cooperatives.
- Bharat Taxi will be rolled out statewide in phases, connecting more drivers, youth, and women.

After Delhi and Gujarat, the launch of Bharat Taxi in Maharashtra will further advance this model of employment through cooperation and prosperity through employment.