What is the story about?
India’s ride-hailing market may be headed for another shake-up. A new platform, NemBharat, is preparing to enter the country with a model that promises zero driver commission and no surge pricing for passengers. That puts it directly in competition with established players such as Uber, Ola, and Rapido.
NemBharat’s launch comes soon after the rollout of Bharat Taxi, a Centre-backed ride-booking platform. The World Economic Mobility Limited (WEML) has announced that NemBharat will be introduced in India, though it has not yet specified a launch date.
Operated under the Narayanihiti Trust, NemBharat is being positioned as a prepaid, cashless ride-hailing service. According to WEML, the model is designed to address what it calls a lack of income predictability for gig workers.
In its official release, WEML has stated that NemBharat will not charge drivers any commission, subscription fee, or percentage cut per ride. Drivers will retain their full earnings from each trip, unlike traditional aggregators that deduct a portion of the fare.
The platform has also said it will eliminate surge pricing. For passengers, that could mean consistent fares even during peak hours, when prices on other apps typically spike.
The prepaid, cashless structure is intended to ensure transparency in pricing. By removing commissions and surge multipliers, NemBharat claims it aims to create a more balanced fare system where drivers receive fair compensation and passengers avoid unpredictable charges.
The service is expected to include cabs, auto-rickshaws, bike taxis, and possibly additional ride categories. While WEML has not disclosed the specific cities or regions for the initial rollout, it has indicated plans to build what it describes as a “national transport network.”
NemBharat is a private initiative. In contrast, Bharat Taxi was backed by the Ministry of Cooperation under the slogan “Sarthi Hi Malik.” Bharat Taxi calculates fares based on vehicle cost, fuel consumption, and a minimum assured earning for drivers, which becomes the base rate. It currently operates in Delhi and parts of Gujarat, offering an 80-20 revenue-sharing model and allowing drivers to participate in decision-making.
Where Bharat Taxi focuses on a structured revenue-sharing system, NemBharat is pitching a zero-commission, no-surge alternative.
India’s ride-booking space is largely dominated by Uber and Ola. For NemBharat to carve out space in this competitive market, execution will be everything. Transparent pricing and better driver payouts could draw attention in a sector where both riders and gig workers have raised concerns about high commissions and fare volatility.
For now, the industry is watching. More clarity is expected as the official launch approaches.
NemBharat’s launch comes soon after the rollout of Bharat Taxi, a Centre-backed ride-booking platform. The World Economic Mobility Limited (WEML) has announced that NemBharat will be introduced in India, though it has not yet specified a launch date.
Operated under the Narayanihiti Trust, NemBharat is being positioned as a prepaid, cashless ride-hailing service. According to WEML, the model is designed to address what it calls a lack of income predictability for gig workers.
What sets NemBharat apart?
In its official release, WEML has stated that NemBharat will not charge drivers any commission, subscription fee, or percentage cut per ride. Drivers will retain their full earnings from each trip, unlike traditional aggregators that deduct a portion of the fare.
The platform has also said it will eliminate surge pricing. For passengers, that could mean consistent fares even during peak hours, when prices on other apps typically spike.
The prepaid, cashless structure is intended to ensure transparency in pricing. By removing commissions and surge multipliers, NemBharat claims it aims to create a more balanced fare system where drivers receive fair compensation and passengers avoid unpredictable charges.
The service is expected to include cabs, auto-rickshaws, bike taxis, and possibly additional ride categories. While WEML has not disclosed the specific cities or regions for the initial rollout, it has indicated plans to build what it describes as a “national transport network.”
How it compares with Bharat Taxi
NemBharat is a private initiative. In contrast, Bharat Taxi was backed by the Ministry of Cooperation under the slogan “Sarthi Hi Malik.” Bharat Taxi calculates fares based on vehicle cost, fuel consumption, and a minimum assured earning for drivers, which becomes the base rate. It currently operates in Delhi and parts of Gujarat, offering an 80-20 revenue-sharing model and allowing drivers to participate in decision-making.
Where Bharat Taxi focuses on a structured revenue-sharing system, NemBharat is pitching a zero-commission, no-surge alternative.
The road ahead
India’s ride-booking space is largely dominated by Uber and Ola. For NemBharat to carve out space in this competitive market, execution will be everything. Transparent pricing and better driver payouts could draw attention in a sector where both riders and gig workers have raised concerns about high commissions and fare volatility.
For now, the industry is watching. More clarity is expected as the official launch approaches.
