Maharashtra to Launch 'Namo Sahakar Taxi' Cooperative Ride-Hailing Platform

Maharashtra is set to launch 'Namo Sahakar Taxi', a cooperative-based taxi aggregator platform aimed at giving drivers direct ownership in the business while reducing their dependence on private ride-hailing companies.

Speaking at a meeting with taxi driver-owner associations and drivers, BJP MLA Pravin Darekar said the initiative has received approval from the Maharashtra government and the Chief Minister. He added that the state has also secured the required aggregator licence for operating the platform.

Darekar said that under the cooperative model, drivers will not merely work as service providers but will also become shareholders in the platform, allowing them to directly benefit from its profits.

A dedicated mobile application has been developed for the service, and drivers will be provided with training on using the app as well as guidance on the cooperative business model. Around 2,000 drivers have already registered for the initiative. In the first phase, 2,000 taxis will be onboarded onto the platform, with 200 to 300 taxis expected to begin operations within the next 15 days.

The scheme will also offer several welfare benefits for drivers, including greater job security, financial assistance for their children's education, insurance coverage, interest-free loans, and skill development programmes. Darekar further said that special training programmes would be organised for Marathi youth interested in building a career in the transport sector.

He said the cooperative platform will be open to all drivers irrespective of caste, religion, or political affiliation. The project will initially be launched in Maharashtra, with plans to expand it across the country in the future. According to Darekar, the primary objective of the initiative is to ensure fair earnings for taxi drivers, provide them with a stake in the business, and protect them from the alleged exploitation by private taxi aggregator companies.

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