Bharat Taxi has started controlled operations at Pune Airport on August 19, 2026. The service gives passengers another airport travel option, with predetermined fares and no demand-based surge pricing. The cooperative ride-hailing platform is also operational across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Here is everything you need to know about Bharat Taxi services in Maharashtra.
Bharat Taxi Fares in Pune
Bharat Taxi fares in Pune vary by vehicle type and are higher during designated peak hours. The reported regular fares range from ₹18 per km for autos to ₹32 per km for SUVs.
- Auto: ₹18/km; ₹20/km during peak hours
- Hatchback: ₹24/km; ₹26.40/km during peak hours
- Sedan: ₹25/km; ₹27.50/km during peak hours
- SUV: ₹32/km; ₹35/km during peak hours
The peak-hour timings are 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the morning and 5:15 PM to 7:45 PM in the evening.
Bharat Taxi at Navi Mumbai International Airport
Bharat Taxi was launched in Maharashtra at Navi Mumbai International Airport on July 23, 2026. Around 600 cabs were deployed in the first phase. The airport service operates as a technology-enabled digital prepaid taxi service. Passengers can book rides digitally and make cashless payments. The system also uses QR code-based trip allocation and verified drivers. The Navi Mumbai launch marked the formal launch of Bharat Taxi’s services in Maharashtra.
Bharat Taxi Pune-Mumbai Intercity Service
Bharat Taxi also offers intercity rides between Pune and Mumbai.
- Hatchback: ₹21/km
- Sedan: ₹23/km
- SUV: ₹30/km
About Bharat Taxi
Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, built around a driver-owned cooperative model. It is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL). The platform follows a different model from conventional cab aggregators. Drivers, known as Sarathis, can become members and owners of the cooperative society. The service aims to provide transparent fares for passengers while allowing drivers to retain their fare earnings without a commission deduction.
Bharat Taxi Safety Features
Bharat Taxi also offers safety and passenger-support features. These include:
- SOS functionality
- Live ride tracking
- Verified driver onboarding
- 24/7 customer support
- Multilingual app support
The platform also has Sarathi Didi, a women-focused initiative that encourages women to participate as drivers and provides women passengers with an additional travel option.
Bharat Taxi’s Airport Expansion
Bharat Taxi has been expanding its airport operations through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The initial AAI-Bharat Taxi rollout covered 11 airports:
- Pune Airport
- Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
- Rajkot
- Patna
- Varanasi
- Vadodara
- Surat
- Bhuj
- Kanpur
- Prayagraj
- Agra
However, being included in the MoU and proposed rollout does not mean Bharat Taxi services are already operational at all 11 airports. The rollout is taking place in phases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bharat Taxi Have Surge Pricing?
No. Bharat Taxi does not use demand-based surge pricing. However, Pune fares increase by 10% during the specified morning and evening peak hours. This is a predetermined peak-hour increase, not dynamic surge pricing.
What Does Zero Commission Mean?
Bharat Taxi does not deduct a percentage of each ride fare as commission. The cooperative follows a subscription-based model for drivers, allowing them to retain their full fare earnings.
How Does the Driver-Owned Model Work?
Bharat Taxi drivers, known as Sarathis, can become members of Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited. They can participate in the cooperative, share in its surplus, and access welfare, training and financial support. This driver-owned model sets Bharat Taxi apart from traditional cab platforms.
How Many Drivers Are on Bharat Taxi?
As of July 19, 2026, Bharat Taxi had around 7.97 lakh Sarathis nationwide, while Pune reportedly had around 35,000 onboarded drivers. The Pune figure is part of the broader national network.
Is Bharat Taxi a Government Taxi Service?
No. Bharat Taxi is not a government-operated taxi service. It is run by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited under a cooperative ownership model, with support from national cooperative institutions.
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