Ride-hailing platform Rapido has entered India’s competitive food delivery market with the launch of its new app, Ownly, on Wednesday. The new Rapido food delivery app is designed as a zero-commission platform, aiming to make meals more affordable for customers while providing restaurants with a fairer revenue model.
Affordable Food Delivery with Ownly
According to reports, Ownly by Rapido seeks to disrupt the market by offering low-cost food options, ensuring prices remain comparable to offline markets. Essential food items such as rice and eggs are priced below Rs. 100, while meals are capped at Rs. 150 or less. On average, food will be 15 percent cheaper than Swiggy and Zomato, two of India’s largest food delivery platforms.
Unlike traditional food delivery services, Rapido Ownly charges restaurants a flat delivery fee instead of imposing hidden commissions, packaging fees, or inflated menu costs. For orders above Rs. 100, users will pay a Rs. 25 delivery charge, while smaller orders within a 4-kilometre radius will cost just Rs. 20. Notably, the app does not levy platform fees, making it a transparent and cost-effective food delivery solution.
Availability and Service Areas
Currently, Rapido’s Ownly app is available only on the Google Play Store for Android users and is serviceable in select Bengaluru localities, including Byrasandra, Tavarekere, BTM Layout (Madiwala), and HSR Layout (Hosur Sarjapura Road). At present, the app is not available on the Apple App Store for iPhone users.
When tested outside Bengaluru, the app displayed a message stating, “Location is outside our service area”, confirming that its services are limited to certain zones in the city.
Partnership with Restaurants and Industry Bodies
Before its official rollout, Rapido reportedly conducted closed pilot tests of the Ownly food delivery app in select areas. The launch also follows discussions with the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and other stakeholders, ensuring restaurant partners benefit from more sustainable margins compared to traditional platforms.
Competing with Swiggy and Zomato
With Ownly, Rapido is positioning itself as a strong alternative to Swiggy and Zomato, which dominate the Indian food delivery sector. However, several startups have previously attempted to challenge this duopoly without long-term success. Rapido, already established in the ride-hailing and bike taxi market, is leveraging its logistics network and customer base to create a niche in the food delivery segment.
The focus on affordability, transparency, and zero-commission policies could appeal to both restaurants and budget-conscious customers, particularly in urban areas where food delivery costs have been rising.
The launch of Rapido’s Ownly food delivery app marks a bold step into India’s food-tech sector. With its promise of low-cost meals, transparent pricing, and restaurant-friendly policies, Ownly could emerge as a competitive force against established players. While currently limited to parts of Bengaluru, the platform’s success may determine whether it expands nationwide and reshapes the dynamics of India’s online food delivery market.
