AAI Signs MoU with Bharat Taxi to Launch Transparent Airport Taxi Services

In a major move to improve airport connectivity, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Taxi. The partnership aims to provide organized, transparent, and passenger-friendly taxi services at several airports across India, offering a driver-owned alternative to private ride-hailing giants.

AAI Signs MoU with Bharat Taxi

Passengers traveling from airports to cities or homes will soon enjoy greater convenience. AAI has signed an MoU with Bharat Taxi to introduce organized, transparent, and passenger-centric taxi services at several airports across the country.

The initiative aims to provide reliable rides without surcharge pricing while empowering drivers through a cooperative ownership model. So far, ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Ola, and Rapido have dominated the market. After this MoU, passengers will have an additional alternative.

MoU Between AAI and Bharat Taxi

The Airports Authority of India signed the Memorandum of Understanding to improve passenger connectivity at airport premises. The agreement was exchanged by AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar.

The objective is to provide safe, easy, and transparent taxi services for passengers traveling to and from airports.

Driver-Owner Model with No Surge Pricing

Bharat Taxi operates as a driver-owned cooperative service managed by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited. Unlike traditional app-based taxi platforms, it does not implement surge pricing. Passengers will pay fixed and fair fares.

Under this model, drivers receive ownership rights and better welfare benefits, making it distinct from commission-based private platforms.

Airports Where Services Will Be Launched

Under the partnership, Bharat Taxi services are proposed to start at airports in:

• Rajkot

• Vadodara

• Surat

• Bhuj

• Pune

• Aurangabad

• Varanasi

• Kanpur

• Prayagraj

• Agra

The initiative aligns with national missions such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Sahakar Se Samriddhi, and Viksit Bharat 2047. It aims to improve passenger experience while creating employment and dignified livelihoods for local drivers.

Direct Challenge to Private Ride-Hailing Companies

Currently, India’s ride-hailing market is largely controlled by Uber, Ola, and Rapido. Bharat Taxi has been introduced as a domestic, driver-owned alternative that directly challenges foreign-investment-backed platforms.

The platform is registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, and was formally launched on June 6, 2025.

What is Bharat Taxi?

Bharat Taxi is a government-backed ride-hailing service launched in select parts of India. Although it was in beta testing since late last year, it was officially launched for public use on February 5, 2026, in cities like New Delhi by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.

Unlike platforms such as Ola and Uber, Bharat Taxi operates on a cooperative model. Drivers, often referred to as “Saarthis,” do not pay commission and can retain 100% of their ride earnings. However, drivers reportedly pay a nominal usage fee of around ₹30 per day to use the platform.

Amit Shah stated that Bharat Taxi “makes drivers owners of profit and provides them dignity and respect.”

Conclusion

The MoU between AAI and Bharat Taxi marks a significant step toward transparent and driver-empowered taxi services at Indian airports. By eliminating surge pricing and promoting cooperative ownership, the initiative not only enhances passenger convenience but also supports local drivers. As Bharat Taxi expands, it could reshape India’s ride-hailing landscape and provide strong competition to established private players.