Bharat Taxi cabs set off with steep fares for passengers, payment delays for drivers

Pitched as affordable and driver-friendly, Bharat Taxi, the new government-backed prepaid cab service launched at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, is off to a bumpy start as commuters raise concerns over fare hikes and drivers flag delays in payments.

Farah recently stepped out of the IGI Airport and headed instinctively towards a prepaid taxi stand to book akaali peeli (black and yellow)cab. To her surprise, the familiar taxis were gone. “I left my luggage on the footpath and walked straight to the nearest Delhi Police booth to ask where the cabs were,” she said. Ms. Farah was directed to a counter bearing Bharat Taxi branding.

Since January 1, the prepaid taxi booths earlier managed by Delhi Police at IGI Airport have been replaced by services operating under Bharat Taxi. The platform is managed by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative, described as the country’s first government-backed initiative aimed at providing “affordable” commuting options while charging little or no commission from drivers. Since 1986, Delhi Police had overseen prepaid airport cabs, introducing measures such as driver biometrics, QR codes for passengers, and tracking through the Himmat app.

‘Quite a jump’
At the new counter, staff now use electronic tablets to generate bookings and send OTPs to commuters. When Ms. Farah asked whether the service was still managed by the Delhi police, she said her questions were deflected. A senior Delhi Traffic Police officer toldThe Hinduthat commuters using the Himmat app could be tracked, but there was no separate tracking system specifically for Bharat Taxi vehicles. “We already have details of all airport taxis and their drivers. We can track commuters through the Himmat app or vehicle numbers,” the officer said.

Ms. Farah said the fare to Vasant Kunj D-6, which earlier cost Rs. 400-450 via prepaid service, was now Rs. 650 with luggage. “This is quite a jump in comparison with earlier prepaid taxis and even app-based cabs for the same distance,” she said. Bharat Taxi’s website claims a “lowest fares” guarantee. “Ride smart and save big! Our best price guarantee ensures you get the lowest fares every time,” reads the motto on their official website.

Safety concerns

For many passengers, choosing airport taxis over app-based services is about convenience and perceived safety. “Even late at night, I knew Delhi Police had all the details, which added to the safety factor. These cabs are extremely expensive,” said Teedhi, an MA student at Jawaharlal Nehru University, who paid Rs. 530 for a ride to Munirka. Standing with two large suitcases, Rohit Khurrana said his choice was driven more by ease than cost. “Other cabs might be cheaper, but with luggage it is difficult to walk far to reach app-based pickup points,” he said. A ride to Noida that previously cost Rs. 900 now costs Rs. 1,200 via Bharat Taxi.

Bharat Taxi’s main promise was “no commission” for drivers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also said on social media that drivers would not be charged commissions. However, several drivers toldThe Hinduthey are being charged around 7%. They said their bigger concern is delayed payments.

Kartik Sharma (name changed), a driver with three decades of experience, said this is the first time payments have been delayed. “Earlier, the payment counter opened three times a day, and we could collect earnings conveniently. Now it opens only once, around 12.30 p.m., for 2-3 hours,” he said, describing long queues and operational delays. “I have at least 20 unpaid trips because I haven’t been able to get my turn,” Mr. Sharma said.

Forced shift

Drivers also flagged the shift to online payments as a hurdle. “Earlier, we were paid in cash, which helped with fuel and daily expenses. Now everything is online, and it is difficult because not all of us have smartphones,” said Rajat Kumar (name changed).
Several drivers alleged they were not consulted before being brought under the new system. “Unlike app platforms, where you choose to enroll, we were forced to be part of this fleet at the airport. Nobody asked if we wanted to join,” said Rajesh Kumar, akaali peeli driver. Bharat Taxi did not respond toThe Hindu’s queries till the time of going to press.