In a significant shift in India’s ride-hailing industry, Rapido is rapidly outpacing traditional giants like Uber and Ola, challenging their dominance with a bold new model focused on affordability, scalability, and micro-mobility. With record growth in both user base and daily rides, Rapido has not only achieved profitability but is now setting the stage for an initial public offering (IPO) expected by 2026.
In 2024, Rapido recorded approximately 33 million app downloads, surpassing Uber’s 21 million and Ola’s 19 million. The company also now facilitates around 4.3 million rides per day—nearly three times more than Ola and about 40 percent more than Uber—making it the current leader in ride volumes in India.
One of the primary reasons for Rapido’s rapid ascent is its innovative subscription-based driver model. Instead of taking a commission from drivers' earnings like Uber and Ola, Rapido charges a nominal flat fee—about ₹9 per day—allowing drivers to retain the full fare from every ride. This strategy has made Rapido especially attractive to two-wheeler drivers, helping the company dominate the bike taxi segment.
With its roots in motorbike taxis, Rapido has now expanded into auto-rickshaws and car services, operating in over 500 cities across India. Its ability to offer low-cost rides has helped it scale aggressively, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, where affordability and availability are key concerns for commuters.
The rise of Rapido has triggered a strategic response from Uber and Ola. Both companies have started offering zero-commission plans in selected cities to retain drivers. Uber, in particular, introduced a subscription-based model for auto-rickshaw drivers in early 2025 and is investing in services tailored to local needs, including a driver-owned fleet program.
Despite its success, Rapido faces regulatory challenges. In June 2025, the Karnataka High Court ordered the suspension of bike taxi operations, forcing companies like Rapido, Uber, and Ola to halt services in the state. Similar legal issues have arisen in Maharashtra, where police filed FIRs against Rapido and Uber for operating unlicensed bike taxis.
The central government’s 2025 Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, however, have provided some relief by offering a clearer framework for two-wheeler services. These guidelines allow private non-transport vehicles to be used for ride-hailing under state approval, and have been welcomed by both Rapido and Uber as a step toward resolving legal uncertainties.
Looking ahead, Rapido is also branching into food delivery services, taking on industry leaders Swiggy and Zomato. Additionally, the company is exploring opportunities in electric vehicles and logistics as part of its long-term diversification strategy.
With profitability achieved and aggressive expansion underway, Rapido’s rise is not only reshaping India’s mobility landscape but also forcing established players to innovate or risk losing market share. As the regulatory environment evolves and consumer preferences shift toward low-cost, high-efficiency solutions, the battle for dominance in India’s ride-hailing sector is entering a decisive new phase.