The launch of Bharat Taxi on February 5 has drawn attention among taxi and cab drivers in Guwahati, many of whom have been protesting for months over low earnings and working conditions under private ride-hailing platforms.
The new platform, unveiled by the Centre, follows a cooperative-based model in which drivers referred to as “Sarathis” are positioned as stakeholders rather than independent contractors.
Bharat Taxi, launched on February 5, introduces a cooperative ride-hailing model where drivers are treated as stakeholders. The move has gained attention in Guwahati, where taxi drivers have protested against low pay and platform policies, including a 48-hour hunger strike in November 2024.
Background: Protests in Guwahati
Guwahati has witnessed sustained protests by taxi drivers over the past year.
In November 2024, around 350 city cab drivers participated in a 48-hour hunger strike demanding fairer pay and balanced regulatory oversight. Taxis across parts of the city carried black flags during the protest.
Driver unions raised concerns about declining earnings, commission structures of private aggregators, and what they described as limited dialogue with authorities.
Union leaders had appealed to the Assam Transport Department, stating that payment policies and regulatory frameworks were affecting their livelihoods.
What Is Bharat Taxi?
Unlike traditional private ride-hailing platforms, Bharat Taxi is structured as a cooperative.
Key features include:
- Drivers, called Sarathis, are treated as stakeholders
- A cooperative-based ownership structure
- Emphasis on collective participation
While detailed operational policies in Assam are yet to be clarified, the cooperative model aims to address long-standing concerns about gig worker protections.
Why It Matters for Guwahati
Guwahati is one of Assam’s largest urban transport hubs, with app-based taxis playing a significant role in daily commuting, airport connectivity, and intercity travel.
Many drivers in the city have reported fluctuating earnings and rising operational costs, including fuel and vehicle maintenance.
If implemented effectively, a cooperative platform could offer an alternative structure for drivers seeking more control over earnings and decision-making processes.
However, local rollout details, including registration, fare structure, and regulatory alignment in Assam, remain to be seen.
What Happens Next?
The immediate impact in Guwahati will depend on how quickly Bharat Taxi becomes operational in the city and how many drivers choose to register under the cooperative model.
Driver unions are likely to assess the terms before formally endorsing participation.
For commuters, any shift in the ride-hailing ecosystem could influence availability, pricing, and service patterns in the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bharat Taxi?
Bharat Taxi is a cooperative-based ride-hailing platform launched on February 5, where drivers, called Sarathis, are treated as stakeholders rather than independent contractors.
Why is this important for Guwahati drivers?
Taxi drivers in Guwahati have protested against low pay and platform policies. A cooperative model may provide an alternative structure with greater participation and potential earnings control.