Rapido, the Indian ride-hailing firm renowned for bike taxis, has launched trials for its new food delivery venture, Ownly, in select Bengaluru areas such as Byrasandra, Tavarekere, Madiwala (BTM) Layout, HSR Layout, and Koramangala. Operated via subsidiary Ctrlx Technologies, the service aims to disrupt the market dominated by Swiggy and Zomato.
Ownly’s core strategy is offering meals about 15% cheaper than rivals by avoiding restaurant commissions of up to 30%. Instead, it charges a fixed fee per order, a model pitched to eateries in June. By narrowing delivery zones to nearby restaurants, Rapido hopes to cut fuel costs and speed up deliveries. Menus will be optimised to maintain profit margins without limiting restaurant visibility.
The service will leverage Rapido’s nationwide fleet of around 10 million vehicles—5–6 million of them two-wheelers—already used for bike taxis, auto rickshaws, parcel delivery, logistics, and cabs. This extensive network, coupled with Rapido’s past delivery work for Swiggy, provides valuable insight into high-demand periods and popular food outlets. While Rapido can use this operational data, its agreement with Swiggy prohibits partnerships with Zomato or other direct competitors.
Founded in 2015, Rapido has steadily diversified its portfolio, recently teaming with Taiwan’s Gogoro to introduce battery-swapping electric two-wheelers. Swiggy, citing a “potential conflict of interest,” is reportedly reconsidering its stake in Rapido as competition heats up. The beta phase of Ownly may signal a significant shake-up in India’s food delivery landscape.