Bharat Taxi Launches in Chandigarh, Plans Expansion Across Punjab

Bharat Taxi, India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, has formally expanded its services to Chandigarh, marking a significant new phase in its effort to build a driver-owned digital mobility network across India. The Chandigarh launch comes as the platform seeks to move beyond its initial markets and establish a wider regional presence, with Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar next on its Punjab expansion roadmap.

The service was formally launched by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, who digitally inaugurated Bharat Taxi and flagged off its vehicles. Union Ministers of State Murlidhar Mohol and Krishan Pal Gurjar attended the programme organised by the Department of Cooperation, Chandigarh Administration. Senior officials, Bharat Taxi representatives, cooperative-sector members and driver-members were also present. Five driver-members received share certificates, highlighting the platform’s cooperative ownership model.

Bharat Taxi is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL), established on June 6, 2025, with eight national cooperative institutions, including NCDC, IFFCO, NABARD, KRIBHCO, Amul, NAFED, NDDB and NCEL. The platform was formally launched nationally in February 2026. Its “Sarathi-owner” model allows drivers to become cooperative members and stakeholders, with zero commission on fares. Drivers contribute through subscription or platform fees, while the cooperative’s earnings structure provides for 20% to be credited as Sarathi capital and 80% distributed based on kilometres travelled during the initial phase.

The Chandigarh rollout comes amid major changes in the city’s app-based mobility market. Licences of Ola, inDrive, Uber and Rapido have faced suspensions over alleged violations of the Chandigarh Administration Motor Vehicles Aggregators Rules, 2025. Bharat Taxi is expected to offer cabs, autos, bikes, rentals and inter-city services, while the administration has stressed fair fares, data security, grievance redressal and electric mobility.

Bharat Taxi’s national footprint is expanding rapidly. As of August 4, 2026, it had 8.48 lakh Sarathis, 44.27 lakh customers and 11,106 average daily rides, with cumulative Sarathi earnings of ₹83.70 crore. Chandigarh recorded 190 daily rides, while detailed July data showed 10,695 enabled Sarathis in the city.

The platform is integrated with ONDC and plans to connect with airports, railway stations and metro systems for last-mile mobility. It has also introduced Sarathi Didi to encourage women drivers and serve women passengers.

With plans for Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar, followed by expansion into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, districts and smaller markets, Bharat Taxi is seeking to develop a broader regional and national mobility network. Its Chandigarh entry will be an important test of whether its cooperative, driver-centric model can scale into a dependable alternative in India’s competitive ride-hailing sector.