Govt’s ‘Bharat Taxi’ to Challenge Ola & Uber in Delhi Pilot
India’s ride-hailing sector is set for a major shakeup as the Centre prepares to launch Bharat Taxi—a state-backed alternative to Ola and Uber. The pilot will debut in Delhi next month, offering fixed fares, higher driver earnings, and EV-friendly policies.
What is Bharat Taxi?
Developed by the Ministry of Road Transport (MoRTH), Bharat Taxi promises:
– Zero surge pricing: Flat fares even during peak hours.
– UPI/NCMC integration: Cashless rides via India’s digital payment stack.
– Driver-first model: Lower commissions than private rivals.
– EV focus: Incentives for electric cabs to cut emissions.
Why Delhi for the Pilot?
Delhi’s high cab demand, traffic woes, and EV infrastructure make it ideal for testing. The city also faces frequent complaints about Ola/Uber’s price surges and reliability gaps.
Key Features
- Affordable Rides: Dynamic pricing capped at 1.2x (vs. 3x on private apps).
- Safety Tools: Live GPS tracking, SOS alerts, and verified driver profiles.
- Multi-Modal Links: Future integration with metro/buses for seamless travel.
Challenges
- Market Dominance: Ola/Uber control 90% of India’s ride-hailing market.
- User Experience: Govt apps often lag in app design and support.
- Scaling Up: Post-Delhi expansion to cities like Mumbai/Bengaluru by 2025.
Public & Industry Response
- Drivers: Unions praise the move, citing 25–30% commission cuts by Ola/Uber.
- Riders: “If it’s cheaper and safer, why not?” says Delhi commuter Priya Menon.
- Competitors: Ola/Uber yet to react, but discounts/loyalty perks may follow.
India’s Digital Mobility Vision
Bharat Taxi joins initiatives like ONDC and PM-eBus Sewa in pushing homegrown tech solutions. Analysts call it a bid to reduce foreign app reliance and boost fair competition.
What’s Next?
Success in Delhi could fast-track launches in 5 more cities by 2025. Watch for partnerships with EV makers and public transport networks.
