According to reports, the Central 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.

Union Minister Amit Shah revealed the initiative in Parliament, indicating that the upcoming service will include the registration of two-wheeler taxis, rickshaws, and four-wheeler taxis.

“Moreover, unlike existing private company services, Sahkar Taxi will ensure that all profits go

directly to the drivers, rather than large corporations,” says Amit Shah.

"In the coming months, on a cooperative basis, we are going to launch a government cooperative sarkar taxi services like Ola and Uber. The service will register two-wheeler taxis, rickshaws, as well as four-wheeler taxis. The profits from this service will not go to any big industrialist but will go solely to the drivers of the vehicles," the union cooperation Minister says.

A similar model already exists in the 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.

Yatri Sathi allows quick dispatch, local language support (Bengali or English), affordable fares, and 24/7 customer support, making it a convenient and accessible option for passengers across the region.

In Karnataka, a taxi service app named Namma Yathri, which is privately owned, operates on a comparable model by directing all profits straight to the drivers.

This app provides various services such as cabs, two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and pooling alternatives, allowing drivers greater authority over their income while delivering cost-effective and efficient transport options for passengers.