ONDC Prepares For Full Launch Of Cab Services In Kolkata As Pilot Crosses 250K Rides

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is reportedly preparing for the full launch of its cab-hailing pilot programme in Kolkata, launched in partnership with the West Bengal government’s Yatri Sathi app, as it has received a good response.

The pilot, which began in July, is averaging over 5,000 rides per day. In total, it has crossed 2,50,000 rides and has over 3,65,000 registered users and 18,600 registered driver partners, Moneycontrol reported.

ONDC denied sharing an official statement yet on the development.

Since its inception, ONDC has been gradually expanding its bouquet of services. Earlier, it launched ride-hailing services in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Kochi. It added Bengaluru-based auto booking app ‘Namma Yatri’ to its network in March this year. Furthermore, the Kochi Open Mobility Network (KOMN), an initiative by the Kerala transport department, integrated with ONDC last year. KOMN’s objective is to digitise urban mobility by seamlessly integrating various transportation modes using technology.

In Bengaluru, the mobility initiative of the network is already facilitating nearly 1,00,000 rides daily through the Namma Yatri app, posing a formidable challenge to industry giants like Ola and Uber, according to reports.

ONDC CEO T Koshi believes that the open network will level the playing field, offering equal opportunities to mobility providers of all sizes, both existing and new. He envisions ONDC doing for mobility what UPI and NPCI have done for digital payments.

As per reports, quick commerce startup Dunzo and logistics startup Loadshare are in discussions with ONDC to expand their respective two-wheeler fleets to offer bike taxi services.

Launched in 2022, ONDC serves as a digital bridge facilitating transactions between buyers and sellers regardless of the platforms they use. It seamlessly connects diverse digital storefronts, enabling effortless transactions across multiple applications and platforms.

With 37 participants in its network, including industry heavyweights like Delhivery, Paytm, Phonepe, IDFC Bank, Kotak, Shiprocket, Dunzo, Snapdeal, Hindustan Unilever, and ITC, ONDC has created a dynamic ecosystem promoting inclusivity and fair competition.

The platform boasts of an extensive network of over 1,00,000 merchants and participation from more than 45 entities spanning 273 cities.

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