India's Cooperative Sector Enters Ride-Hailing Market

India's cooperative sector is set to introduce a new taxi service, 'Bharat', aiming to compete with giants Ola and Uber by the end of 2025. With a Rs 300 crore authorised capital, this initiative is fully funded by leading cooperatives and has already enrolled 200 drivers across four states.

Collaborative Effort for a Better Future

The Multi-State Sahakari Taxi Cooperative Ltd, registered on June 6, unites eight major cooperatives, including NCDC, IFFCO, and GCMMF. Rohit Gupta, NCDC deputy managing director, emphasizes the goal to ensure better returns for drivers and provide quality, safe, and affordable services to passengers.

Expansion and Technology

With 50 drivers each from Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, the cooperative is expanding its driver base. A nationwide app is in development, with a technology partner to be finalized soon. The service promises a cooperative pricing model for affordability and better driver incomes.

Strategic Planning and National Marketing

For strategic planning and marketing, the cooperative has engaged a technology consultant and the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. This move signifies a bold step by India’s cooperative movement into the competitive ride-hailing market.