Government to Launch 'Sahar Taxi' for Fair Earnings and Job Growth

The Indian government is preparing to launch Sahar Taxi, a cooperative-based ride-hailing service. The goal is to provide better income opportunities for drivers and create more jobs across the country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah made the announcement in Parliament, emphasizing that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation).

Shah mentioned that the Ministry of Cooperation has been working on this model for over three years. The service is expected to start within the next few months. Unlike current ride-hailing companies, Sahar Taxi is structured to ensure that profits go directly to the drivers.

Ola and Uber Under Scrutiny for Pricing Differences

The launch of Sahar Taxi comes as existing ride-hailing platforms, Ola and Uber, face criticism for unfair pricing. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) recently issued notices to both companies after complaints emerged of price differences depending on the user's phone type—iPhone or Android.

Ola responded by denying the claims. The company said its pricing does not vary based on the device and that it uses a standard fare system for all users. Similarly, Uber clarified that phone models do not influence ride prices and expressed willingness to cooperate with the CCPA’s investigation.

Government Expands Investigation into Digital Pricing Models

In December 2024, a viral social media post highlighted inconsistent fare prices on two phones for the same Uber ride. This led to public concern and wider discussions about fairness in digital services.

Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi labeled this practice as an “unfair trade practice.” He confirmed that the government will also examine other sectors—such as food delivery and online ticketing—for similar pricing strategies, aiming to enhance consumer protection.

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