ONDC Likely To Onboard 17 More Platforms To Its Network: Report

Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is in advanced stages of onboarding 17 more platforms to its network. 

The Business Standard report quoted a source saying that ONDC has also caught the attention of various platforms including telecom majors and banks. 

Some of the platforms that are in advanced stages of joining the ONDC network are Kotak, PhonePe, Shiprocket, Snapdeal, Sonata, Zoho Ekart, and Bizom, among others. 

Meanwhile, banks including HDFC Bank, IDBI Bank, SBI Bank, ICICI Bank, government-led postal system India Post and companies–ITC Store, Marico India, Nivea India, Delhivery, and Airtel have shown interest in joining the ONDC network too. 

Recently, ONDC has boarded nine platforms including eSamudaay, Go Frugal, Paytm, Digit, PhonePe, and Loadshare, among others.

Most recently, ONDC announced the onboarding of Reliance Retail’s logistics provider Grab on its platform. By joining ONDC, Grab will reportedly offer intracity hyperlocal delivery services to its clientele. 

So far, two portfolio companies of Reliance Retail have joined the ONDC network. Earlier in May, Reliance-backed quick commerce startup Dunzo integrated with the ONDC and consequently, began a pilot test in six Indian cities.

Reliance Retail along with ecommerce giants Flipkart and Amazon is also expected to join the ONDC network. Interestingly, Flipkart’s Ekart has already onboarded the ONDC and would be offering logistics services there. 

Inc42 also reported that Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) is expected to join the ONDC by the end of this year. In addition, investment companies including SoftBank and Sequoia India have asked their portfolio companies to onboard the ONDC network.  

ONDC was essentially introduced by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). It aims to democratise the ecommerce space for small retailers who are still not versed with ecommerce and related platforms. It will also connect buyers and sellers on consumer-focussed platforms across diverse sectors.

It will officially launch in August this year and aims to operate in 100 Indian cities by the end of 2022.

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