The Indian government plans to launch a cooperative-based ride-hailing service
The Indian government is set to launch a cooperative-run ride-hailing platform aimed at providing an alternative to existing services like Uber and Ola, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced during a parliamentary address on Wednesday.
The initiative is part of the Centre’s broader “Sahkar se Samruddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) vision, which Shah emphasised is not just a slogan but a policy direction actively being implemented. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Cooperation, the project has been in development for the past three and a half years.
Shah revealed that the new platform will include a variety of transport options such as two-wheeler taxis, auto-rickshaws, and four-wheelers. Unlike private sector models where a portion of the revenue goes to corporate entities, the cooperative model is designed to distribute earnings directly among the drivers, potentially increasing their take-home income.
Although similar attempts have been made at regional levels—like Delhi’s Sewa Cab and Kerala’s Namma Yatri—this is the first time a centrally-backed initiative of this scale is being proposed. With strong government support, the project may find it easier to onboard drivers, build trust among passengers, and scale effectively across the country.
By eliminating intermediaries and focusing on shared ownership, the model aims to improve driver earnings and offer cost-effective rides to consumers, presenting a potential win-win alternative to traditional ride-hailing services.
