Lucknow, Sept. 23: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched Bharat Taxi in the state, announcing a zero-commission model for taxi, two-wheeler and three-wheeler drivers along with social security measures of up to Rs 5 lakh.
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The service was launched in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj. The Chief Minister also launched the Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Yojana, under which the interest rate on loans provided through the Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Rural Development Bank has been reduced from 11% to 6%.
Drivers To Operate Without Commission
Under the Bharat Taxi model, drivers, referred to as Saarthis, can register with the cooperative-led platform without paying a commission on rides. The model is designed to allow drivers to retain their fare earnings, in line with Bharat Taxi’s nationwide zero-commission structure.
The platform also provides access to social security benefits. The Ministry of Cooperation has said Bharat Taxi Saarthis can be linked to e-Shram and access health and insurance-related benefits, including medical treatment and accident cover.
Speaking at the launch, Yogi said taxi, two-wheeler and three-wheeler drivers had traditionally received limited attention and said the new model would provide them with greater social security.
Memoranda of understanding were also signed with institutions including Lucknow Airport, Lucknow Metro and Lucknow Police to facilitate Bharat Taxi’s operations.
Push For Rural Transport Network
Yogi asked Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh to explore extending the Bharat Taxi model to rural bus services.
He said such services could expand transportation options in rural areas while creating employment opportunities for young people.
Referring to the Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025, the Chief Minister said motorcycle-based transport services had helped ferry devotees between the Sangam, railway station and airport during the event.
Farmer Loan Rate Cut To 6%
The Chief Minister also launched the Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Yojana, highlighting the reduction in the interest rate on loans issued through the Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Rural Development Bank.
The rate has been brought down from 11% to 6%, according to the state government’s announcement.
Yogi also said the interest-free cash credit limit available to Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) had been raised from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
He further said 54 lakh new members had joined the cooperative sector and that efforts were underway to strengthen cooperative banking and digital services for farmers.
New Digital Platforms Unveiled
During the programme, the Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Portal app, UPCDC and mobile applications related to fertiliser services and cooperative data management were launched.
The platforms are intended to improve access to cooperative services and strengthen digital systems for the delivery of agricultural inputs and other services.
Yogi also handed over Bharat Taxi share certificates to five Saarthis and loan sanction letters to five beneficiaries of the farmer scheme.
The launch was formally marked by a flag-off ceremony attended by Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol and other officials.
