Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited has been officially registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act. It will operate in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Unlike traditional ride-hailing companies, this platform will be owned and managed by its members—primarily the taxi drivers themselves.
Backed by Major Cooperative Institutions
The initiative is promoted by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and supported by top Indian cooperatives including Amul, NAFED, NABARD, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NDDB, and NCEL. Each of the eight institutions has pledged ₹10 crore, contributing to an authorized share capital of ₹300 crore, with ₹80 crore already committed.
Uber-Like App with a Difference
Sahakar Taxi aims to function similarly to Uber and Ola but will follow a democratic, cooperative ownership structure. This model ensures that taxi drivers benefit directly through profit-sharing and governance rights.
Initial Leadership and Rollout Plans
An interim board has been established, chaired by Rohit Gupta, Deputy Managing Director of NCDC. Other board members include representatives from the participating cooperatives. The digital infrastructure and software for the platform are under development, with the service expected to go live within six months.
Driver-Centric Approach
The platform’s focus is on empowering drivers through membership, ownership, and a share in the profits. The onboarding process has begun in Gujarat and Maharashtra and will expand to other regions in future phases.
Support from Amit Shah
The idea was originally proposed by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah. He highlighted the need for a cooperative taxi service that accommodates various vehicle types and ensures that drivers retain most of the earnings.
Technology and Education Partnerships
Sahakar Taxi is exploring partnerships with institutions like IIIT Bangalore to build advanced digital systems that ensure the service meets industry standards in terms of efficiency and user experience.
Vision for a New Transport Era
With the slogan “Sahakar se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), the cooperative aims to uplift the livelihoods of taxi drivers while offering consumers affordable and reliable transportation. This initiative signals a major shift in India’s public transport sector, blending technology with cooperative values.
