New Delhi, 06 February (H.S.): The Delhi government forged a formal partnership on Friday with the cooperative mobility platform Bharat Taxi. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the initiative aims to provide safe, reliable, and transparent taxi services to tourists visiting Delhi and local residents, while bolstering taxi drivers' income and dignity. This agreement represents a pivotal step toward enhancing ease of living, ease of travel, and ease of earning simultaneously.

During a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister at Delhi Secretariat, the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Taxi's cooperative entity, Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL).

Present on the occasion were Tourism Minister and DTTDC Chairman Kapil Mishra, DTTDC Managing Director Sunil Anchipaka, and Executive Director D. Kartikeyan. Representing STCL were Vice Chairman Rohit Gupta, Chief Executive Officer Colonel Himanshu, and Executive for Operations and Community Engagement, Arushi Kaul.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the partnership seeks to strengthen modern and trustworthy taxi services in Delhi under a cooperative model. Beyond providing transportation facilities, it promotes a framework that integrates technology with human dignity and livelihood security.

The cooperative taxi model translates this vision into reality.The Chief Minister outlined that under this partnership, DTTDC will serve as the tourism and branding partner.

Recognizing taxi drivers as tourists' first introduction to the city, they will receive specialized training in soft skills, Delhi's culture, history, and heritage. These trained drivers will function as brand ambassadors for Delhi Tourism.

Meanwhile, STCL will deliver technology-enabled taxi services through its digital platform and cooperative driver network, ensuring organized and dependable service for daily commuters and tourists alike.

The Chief Minister announced that the agreement will introduce special sightseeing packages via taxi for Delhi visitors, featuring options for two-hour, four-hour, and full-day tours covering key tourist sites in and around Delhi.

Additionally, point-to-point taxi services will be available for intra-city travel, improving last-mile connectivity and offering greater convenience to regular commuters. Mobile app-based easy booking, clean and transparent fare structures, and standardized service norms will elevate the travel experience for Delhiites and tourists.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the scheme's primary focus remains on taxi drivers' earnings and safety. Under the cooperative model, drivers will retain a substantial portion of their income—far exceeding that from existing private aggregator companies.

Moreover, as stakeholders in the cooperative, drivers will have a voice in decision-making and access organized support and assistance. This model ensures dignified employment, stable income, and future financial security for drivers.The Chief Minister asserted that this partnership will aid the Delhi government in fortifying tourism facilities, enhancing urban transportation, and fostering inclusive economic growth. Through the cooperative platform, the government aims to advance a clean, responsible, and sustainable transportation ecosystem.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar