Kolkata, NFAPost: Rapido, India’s largest ride-sharing platform, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Transport Department of the Government of West Bengal to enhance urban mobility in the state.
Currently executing 1 lakh rides per day across West Bengal, Rapido’s operations have become an integral part of daily commuting in the state. As part of this collaboration, Rapido will invest ₹150 crore towards key initiatives focused on electric mobility, women’s safety in transportation, and road safety awareness.
A significant portion of this investment—Rs 130 crore—will be directed towards the development of urban electric mobility. Rapido aims to deploy electric vehicles across Kolkata and other parts of the state while also working on building the necessary infrastructure to support a seamless transition to sustainable transportation. This initiative aligns with West Bengal’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving last-mile connectivity for commuters.
Another major focus of the partnership is the Pink Mobility Initiative, a programme designed to provide safe and reliable commuting options for women. As part of this program, Rapido will introduce a dedicated fleet of pink-colored two-wheelers and four-wheelers, driven by women captains, ensuring a secure and comfortable experience for female passengers. To further encourage women’s participation in the transport sector, Rapido will provide financial assistance worth Rs 12 crore over the next three years, enabling women captains to own and operate their vehicles.
Furthermore, Rapido has pledged Rs 5 crore towards road safety and awareness campaigns. This will include quarterly driver training programs in collaboration with government-accredited training centers, public awareness campaigns on traffic regulations, and helmet distribution drives. Rapido will also work closely with the Transport Department to support state-led road safety initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to creating a safer commuting environment.
During the exchange of the MoU, West Bengal Transport Department Secretary Saumitra Mohan welcomed the partnership, said the government is committed to improving public transport infrastructure while ensuring safety and accessibility for all citizens.
“Rapido’s investment in electric mobility and women-centric transport solutions is a step in the right direction. This collaboration will help strengthen the state’s efforts towards sustainable urban mobility and create new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship,” said West Bengal Transport Department Secretary Saumitra Mohan.
Speaking on the occasion, Rapido Cofounder Pavan Guntupalli said West Bengal has always been an important market for Rapido and the company is excited to contribute towards making mobility safer, greener, and more inclusive.
“Our investment in electric mobility and the Pink Mobility fleets reflect our commitment to sustainable and women-friendly transport solutions. We look forward to working closely with the Transport Department to bring this to life,” said Rapido Cofounder Pavan Guntupalli.
Through this partnership, Rapido aims to expand its operations in the state as well as create job opportunities across all vehicle categories. With 3 million rides executed per day across India, Rapido remains dedicated to innovating and improving urban transportation, ensuring a positive impact on the people and economy of West Bengal.
About Rapido
Rapido is India’s leading commute app, offering seamless auto, bike taxi, and cab services across 100+ cities. Founded in 2015, Rapido has transformed shared mobility, expanding its offerings from bike taxis to include auto-rickshaws and cabs. The company is committed to generating employment opportunities for gig workers nationwide. With a focus on women empowerment, Rapido creates secure livelihood opportunities for women in shared mobility. By extending services beyond metro areas to tier 2 and 3 cities, Rapido connects communities across India.
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