Residents of Chandigarh have received relief on natural gas, with the UT administration reducing the Value Added Tax (VAT) on natural gas from 12.5% to 5%. The revised rate came into effect from midnight on September 18, covering both Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG).
The administration said the lower tax rate is intended to provide relief to consumers and support the development and expansion of natural gas infrastructure in Chandigarh. The move is also expected to encourage wider adoption of natural gas in the city.
What the CNG and PNG VAT Cut Means
The VAT reduction represents a 7.5 percentage-point cut in the tax rate on natural gas. CNG and PNG consumers in Chandigarh will therefore benefit from the lower tax component.
However, the notification itself does not prescribe a new retail selling price for CNG or PNG. The final price reduction for consumers will depend on how gas suppliers pass on the lower tax burden.
The administration has linked the decision to its efforts to expand the natural gas network and make cleaner fuel options more accessible in Chandigarh.
Bharat Taxi Launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh also saw the formal launch of Bharat Taxi on September 18. The cooperative-based ride-hailing platform was inaugurated by Chandigarh Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria at an event organised by the UT Administration’s Cooperation Department.
The launch included a digital inauguration followed by a ceremonial flag-off of Bharat Taxi vehicles. Union Ministers of State Murlidhar Mohol and Krishan Pal Gurjar were also present at the event.
Bharat Taxi provides an app-based option for booking cabs, autos and other ride categories. Its launch in Chandigarh came after the suspension of aggregator licences of Ola, InDrive, Uber and Rapido in the UT for six months.
How Bharat Taxi’s Driver Model Works
Unlike the conventional aggregator model, Bharat Taxi follows a cooperative ownership structure in which drivers, known as Sarathis, can become members and stakeholders.
The platform operates on a zero-commission model, meaning no commission is deducted from fares earned by drivers for rides booked through the platform. The cooperative model also provides drivers with participation in ownership and governance.
Under the ownership structure, a Sarathi can purchase shares worth ₹500 to become a partner in the cooperative. The government has also stated that driver representatives can have reserved representation on the Board of Directors.
How Drivers and Passengers Can Use Bharat Taxi
Drivers can register through the Bharat Taxi application by providing documents including a valid driving licence, Aadhaar card, vehicle registration certificate and photograph. The submitted details are verified before drivers are allowed to operate on the platform.
Passengers can use the app to book available rides. Bharat Taxi follows a transparent fare structure and does not apply surge pricing through the platform, according to government information.
The Chandigarh launch adds the city to the expanding network of Bharat Taxi services and introduces the cooperative-led ride-hailing model to local commuters and drivers.