Sahakar Taxi Cooperative, a newly registered entity under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, is making rapid strides toward launching India’s first large-scale, driver-owned ride-hailing platform.
Backed by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and supported by major cooperative giants like Amul, NAFED, NABARD, IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NDDB, and NCEL, the cooperative will initially operate across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Around 200 drivers have already joined, 50 each from the four states, and the cooperative is actively engaging with other cooperative institutions to widen its network. With an authorized share capital of Rs 300 crore, Rs 80 crore has already been committed by the promoters, reports PTI.
In contrast to private aggregators like Uber and Ola, Sahakar Taxi will be democratically owned and managed by the drivers themselves, ensuring equitable profit distribution and collective decision-making.
To build its technology backbone, the cooperative has floated a tender to select a partner for developing the ride-hailing app, which will serve users nationwide through a single platform. “We will finalise the technology partner in a few days,” said interim board head Rohit Gupta of NCDC, adding that the app is expected to be ready by December.
IIM-Bangalore and a technology consultant have also been engaged to craft a national marketing strategy. The initiative was conceived by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah as part of a broader vision to empower workers through cooperative enterprises in every segment of transport.
Very noble and innovative idea. Should be a game changer in context of savdeshi and cooperative.