Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Yatri app, a state-backed initiative by the Department of Commerce & Transport is rapidly emerging as a significant force in the region’s ride-hailing sector, demonstrating a compelling model for driver empowerment and enhanced commuter safety.
In just five months since its January launch, the platform has facilitated over 200,000 trips and injected more than $240,000 (Rs 2 crore) directly into the pockets of its 10,000 registered drivers, primarily due to its pioneering zero-commission model.
This innovative approach directly challenges the prevailing commission-based structures of private ride-hailing aggregators, which often take a substantial cut from driver earnings. By eliminating this overhead, Odisha Yatri is not only providing a more lucrative earning opportunity for drivers but also attracting a growing pool of professional operators.
The financial impact is significant: drivers in Bhubaneswar alone have cumulatively earned $300,000 (Rs 2.5 crore), while their Cuttack counterparts have collectively earned $7,000 (Rs 5.90 lakh). This direct financial benefit is a key differentiator, fostering strong driver loyalty and incentivizing higher service quality.
“We are just getting started,” stated Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Transport, Housing and Urban Development Department, emphasizing the app’s foundational commitment to neutrality, cleanliness, and safety.
This focus has resonated deeply with commuters, evidenced by 161,000 completed fares across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, with the capital city experiencing the highest trip volumes. The app has seen over 1.05 million searches, indicating a strong public interest and demand for its services, said Shrimati Padhee.
Enhancing Safety and Reliability in Urban Transport
Beyond financial incentives, Odisha Yatri’s robust safety features are a major draw for passengers. The app integrates directly with police monitoring systems, offering a heightened sense of security. This proactive approach to safety addresses common commuter pain points, such as booking cancellations and late-night surge pricing often associated with other platforms. Over 124,000 users in Bhubaneswar and 37,000 in Cuttack have registered, underscoring the public’s trust in a government-backed, secure mobility solution. The ability to report issues directly to the police and transport department further solidifies this trust.
Strategic Expansion and Future Prospects
The Transport Department’s vision extends beyond urban ride-hailing. There are ambitious plans to expand the Odisha Yatri service to other districts across the state, aiming to establish a significant foothold on a national scale. A notable upcoming integration is the incorporation of domestic ambulance services onto the platform. This strategic move is poised to revolutionize emergency medical transport by providing a regulated, transparent, and commission-free option for patients and their families, mitigating exploitation and improving access to critical services. This expansion into specialized transport further highlights Odisha Yatri’s potential to become a comprehensive public utility for mobility.
This initiative is a testament to how state-led digital platforms, when focused on direct economic benefits for service providers and enhanced safety for consumers, can effectively disrupt established markets and drive positive socio-economic outcomes within the transport sector.