Article Today, Hyderabad:
Rapido, a leading player in India’s ride-hailing sector, has entered the food delivery market. It has launched a new app called ‘Ownly’ to challenge Swiggy and Zomato. The service has begun in select areas of Bengaluru with an aim to offer affordable meals and attract a wide user base. With this move, Rapido is positioning itself to create a new wave in India’s food delivery landscape.
Affordable Meals for Daily Needs…
The Ownly app is currently operating in neighbourhoods such as Koramangala, HSR Layout and BTM Layout. Most dishes are priced under Rs.150. Common meals like chapati, rice and eggs cost less than Rs.100. The app also lists popular brands such as Faasos, Krispy creme, Wow Momo and EatFit, offering them at competitive prices to appeal to budget-conscious customersr.
Less Commission Policy for Restaurants…
What sets Ownly apart is its less commission model for restaurants. While platforms like Swiggy and Zomato charge commissions ranging from 16 to 30 per cent, Only reduced this cost. Instead, restaurants pay only a delivery fee for orders within four kilometres Rs.10 for orders under Rs. 100, Rs. 25 for orders between Rs. 100 and Rs. 400, and Rs. 50 for orders above Rs. 400. This model aims to ease the financial burden on eateries.
Leveraging Rapido’s Delivery Network
Rapido is using its extensive delivery fleet to power Ownly. With 40 lakh delivery partners across 500 cities, Rapido handles 35 lakh rides daily. This strong network enables quick deliveries and a wide reach, providing the app with an operational advantage over new entrants in the segment.
A Direct Challenge to Market Leaders
Swiggy and Zomato currently control nearly 90 per cent of India’s food delivery market, completing around 45 lakh deliveries every day. However, high commissions and hidden charges have often drawn criticism from both restaurants and consumers. By focusing on transparent pricing and lower costs, Rapido hopes to capture market share and disrupt the duopoly.
Plans for Nationwide Expansion
The service is in a pilot phase in Bengaluru. If successful, Rapido plans to extend Only to 500 cities across the country. The company is also working with the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI) to formalise partnerships. Reports suggest that discussions are already underway with more than 50,000 restaurants. Through these alliances, Rapido seeks to strengthen its platform and scale rapidly.
