BJP MLC Pravin Darekar has announced the launch of cooperative taxi services named "Devabhau Taxi" and "Chhava Taxi" in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), positioning them as an alternative to private ride-hailing platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido.
According to Darekar, the initiative is based on the "Bharat Taxi" model already operating in cities including Delhi and Kolkata. He said the cooperative structure would reduce drivers' dependence on private aggregators, which he accused of charging high commissions, and ensure that a larger share of earnings remains with drivers and vehicle owners.
The proposal has reportedly received approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has finalized the policy framework. The first phase is expected to see between 2,000 and 5,000 vehicles operating across Mumbai and the wider MMR region. Registration for interested participants has already begun.
Promoted under the slogan "Apali Taxi, Apali Malaki" (Our Taxi, Our Ownership), the scheme aims to preserve vehicle ownership for drivers while creating employment opportunities, particularly for Marathi youth. Darekar said the cooperative model would offer affordable and reliable services to passengers while ensuring that profits flow directly to drivers and vehicle owners.
A key feature of the project is financial assistance through Mumbai District Central Cooperative Bank, commonly known as Mumbai Bank, where Darekar serves as chairman. Under the proposal, eligible applicants will be able to obtain vehicle purchase loans at an interest rate of 10 percent. Additional interest reimbursement support is expected from various state-backed corporations, which could substantially reduce the borrowing burden on beneficiaries.
However, the announcement has sparked criticism from social activist Anjali Damania and the Congress party. Damania questioned the use of Mumbai Bank funds for a project carrying a political identity and asked whether depositors' money was being used to support a politically branded business venture. She argued that many farmers, small entrepreneurs and ordinary citizens often struggle to secure loans and called for greater transparency regarding the scheme's financial structure and approval process.
Damania also objected to the naming of the service, saying that public institutions should not be used to promote projects associated with political figures. She urged authorities to disclose details of loan eligibility, interest subsidies, approval procedures and safeguards against potential conflicts of interest.
The Congress echoed these concerns, with Maharashtra Congress General Secretary Dhananjay Shinde demanding complete transparency regarding the project's financial blueprint and implementation. He stressed that Mumbai Bank belongs to its depositors and stakeholders and should not be perceived as serving political interests. Shinde also called for public disclosure of beneficiary selection criteria, loan approval mechanisms and measures to ensure accountability.
The proposed taxi service has ignited a wider debate about the role of cooperative institutions in employment generation and public transport. Supporters believe it could improve driver incomes and provide a strong alternative to private aggregators, while critics argue that questions surrounding funding, governance and political branding must be addressed before the project moves forward.
As preparations continue, attention is likely to remain focused on how the scheme will be financed, regulated and managed, as well as whether it can successfully compete with established ride-hailing platforms operating in Mumbai and neighbouring regions.
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