‘Bharat Taxi’ service launched in Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur, Prayagraj and Lucknow

Union Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Murlidhar Mohol launched Bharat Taxi in Lucknow. Along with Lucknow, the service was also launched in Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur and Prayagraj.

Cities covered:
Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur, and Prayagraj.

Driver‑owner model:
Built on the principle “Driver is the Owner”, making Saarthis stakeholders rather than just service providers.

Rapid adoption:
In just six months, more than 10 lakh Saarthis joined nationwide, completing about 20,000 rides daily. Over ₹100 crore has already been credited directly to drivers’ accounts.

Partnerships:
MoUs signed with the Airport Authority, Lucknow Metro Rail, and Lucknow Police to integrate services.

Scale in UP:
Around 40,000 Saarthis registered across the five new cities, with services beginning soon.

Broader Cooperative Context
- The initiative reflects PM Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” and Union Minister Amit Shah’s push to modernize cooperatives.
- PACS computerisation (80,000 units nationwide, 6,300 in UP) is transforming grassroots cooperatives into multipurpose service hubs.
- New national cooperative societies for seeds, organics, and exports are linking farmers directly to markets.
- Uttar Pradesh alone has added 54 lakh new cooperative members, making its membership campaign a model for other states.

Why it matters
Bharat Taxi is not just another ride‑hailing service—it’s a cooperative alternative to aggregator models, ensuring drivers keep most of their earnings while gaining ownership rights. It also shows how cooperatives are branching into mobility, technology, and services, beyond traditional agriculture and dairy.