Govt to Launch 'Sahkar Taxi' to Rival Ola, Uber with Bike, Cab, Auto Services
The Union government has announced the launch of a cooperative-based taxi service, 'Sahkar Taxi', offering bike, cab, and auto services as an alternative to ride-hailing giants like Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced the scheme in Parliament, saying the government-supported service will empower drivers by enabling them to keep entire earnings without dividing profits with corporations. "Sahkar Taxi will register two-wheeler taxis, auto-rickshaws, and four-wheeler taxis pan-India", he said.
Shah highlighted that the initiative will fall in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Sahkar se Samriddhi' vision and will be implemented in the months to follow. In contrast to private firms, the profit from this platform will find its way directly to the drivers, which will provide them with economic progress and financial stability.
Apart from the ride-hailing business, the government is expected to create a cooperative insurance firm to cover services in the cooperative transport system. Shah stated that the insurance firm will become the largest in the private sector soon.
The program plans to offer a safe and cheaper transport option to passengers while having improved working conditions for drivers. The government hopes that this model will make the transportation industry fairer and sustainable.
A similar scheme has already been rolled out in West Bengal under the 'Yatri Sathi' service, which started in Kolkata and expanded later to Siliguri, Asansol, and Durgapur. The service features convenient bookings, support for local languages, and customer care available 24/7, which makes it a popular choice among commuters.
Kerala previously launched a state-sponsored web-based taxi service, 'Kerala Savaari,' in 2022. The service was later withdrawn due to low take-up rate, with a promise of a re-launch with new fares and updated software.
By launching Sahkar Taxi, the government is hoping to redefine ride-hailing by focusing on driver benefits and affordability, given the dominance of private players.
