Govt to launch 'Sahkar Taxi' service across India to compete with Ola, Uber

The Indian government is set to launch a new cooperative-based taxi service called "Sahkar Taxi" across the country to offer an alternative to popular ride-hailing platforms like Ola and Uber.

The move will put the government in competition with Uber, Ola, Rapido, and emerging app-based cab aggregators such as BluSmart. The government announced the plan in Parliament on Wednesday, stating that the new service will register two-wheeler taxis, rickshaws, and four-wheeler taxis.

Unlike existing private company services, Sahkar Taxi will ensure that all profits go directly to the drivers rather than large corporations. The service will register two-wheeler taxis, rickshaws, and four-wheeler taxis.

A similar model already exists in West Bengal with the launch of Yatri Sathi by the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government. Initially introduced in Kolkata, the service has since expanded to other cities, including Siliguri, Asansol, and Durgapur.

Meanwhile, in Karnataka, a privately owned taxi service app called Namma Yathri follows a similar model by ensuring that all profits go directly to the drivers. The app offers a range of services, including cabs, two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and pooling options, giving drivers more control over their earnings while providing affordable and efficient transportation choices to passengers.