Uber is set to broaden its mobility services in India through a strategic partnership with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), indicating a major move towards enhancing accessibility in mobility and commerce throughout the nation.
In a recent development, Uber announced its intent to delve into a collaborative effort with ONDC by signing a memorandum of understanding. This initiative is aimed at exploring potential integrations within the network, thereby broadening the spectrum of mobility services offered on the Uber platform. During an event in Bengaluru, Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber, expressed enthusiasm for open-source technology stacks and the opportunities they unveil for all stakeholders.
Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India and South Asia, articulated the company’s ambition to transform Uber into a comprehensive platform catering to the daily mobility needs of Indians. This collaboration with ONDC marks a pivotal step towards realizing that vision.
Exclusive insights reveal that Uber’s initial focus within the ONDC network will be on facilitating Intercity bus ticketing and Metro Rail ticketing across India, positioning itself as a buyer application. This move is part of the broader ONDC initiative, launched in 2021 with the goal of revolutionizing India’s e-commerce and mobility sectors. ONDC’s open platform model is designed to democratize online commerce, enabling seamless connections between buyers and sellers and empowering small retailers to extend their reach.
Despite its progressive vision, ONDC has encountered challenges in attracting participation from leading market players. While e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart have shown interest, their active engagement with the network remains in the preliminary stages.
The partnership between Uber and ONDC represents a significant leap forward in the mobility, transport, and travel (MTT) sector, fostering innovation and new business models. T Koshy, MD and CEO of ONDC, views the memorandum as a crucial advancement, poised to introduce a variety of mobility solutions that will benefit the entire Indian population.
This partnership between Uber and ONDC is a testament to the evolving landscape of India’s mobility sector. By embracing open network models like ONDC, Uber is not only expanding its service offerings but also contributing to a more inclusive and innovative digital commerce ecosystem. This collaboration underscores the potential for tech giants and government-backed initiatives to work together in creating more equitable and efficient markets. As this partnership unfolds, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of mobility and e-commerce in India.
