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Tag: ONDC Network

  • Ola Wants to Grow its Food and Beverage Division on ONDC

    The popular ride-hailing service Ola plans to soon extend its food and beverage (F&B) vertical throughout India via the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). Ola is one of the top two platforms on ONDC that creates significant demand in the F&B market, according to Thampy Koshy, managing director and chief executive officer of the organisation, who was speaking at the launch of the ONDC white paper, “Driving Digital Inclusion: Open Networks and Zero-Commission Mobility Apps.” Ola has notified ONDC that they will shortly expand its F&B business throughout India. Additionally, it just began providing groceries and plans to add other divisions shortly, Koshy stated. It is important to remember that Ola only provides F&B services in a few cities at this time through ONDC.

    Offering Last-Mile Logistics Services

    Ola provides last-mile logistics services for every category, including grocery shopping, food delivery, and pharmaceuticals through ONDC, in addition to food delivery. This occurs as Uber and Rapido, Ola’s fiercest competitors, have also jumped on the ONDC bandwagon to increase the range of services they offer. Uber signed a deal with the Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) earlier this year to broaden its mobility capabilities, while Rapido sells tickets for the service directly through the ONDC platform. Namma Yatri, a union-backed ride-hailing business, also joined forces with ONDC a few months ago to launch its taxi and car rental services.

    ONDC’s Performance

    According to the recently released ONDC report, since December of last year, the volume of transactions on ONDC has increased by about three times. By December 2025, it is anticipated that the number of transactions would have increased by 7-8X. It is important to note that in October, ONDC saw 14 million transactions. The mobility segment accounted for over 5.5 million of these transactions, while the non-mobility categories accounted for 8.4 million. As this number has increased, ONDC has also been modifying its commission structure. It reduced the incentive for network participants earlier this month from INR 60 lakh for the October holiday season to INR 40 lakh for December.

    Open Network Models will Reap Benefits

    The Government of India launched ONDC with the goal of decentralising e-commerce by giving local vendors and small enterprises an equal opportunity to compete with larger platforms. The drawbacks of the present ride-hailing systems, including low driver pay and poor customer service, are examined in a recently released white paper.

    According to the findings, India’s economy might benefit from an annual contribution of INR 51,000 crore to INR 67,000 crore if open network models are used in the country’s mobility sector. A 30% increase in driver wages is also possible, which may enhance their annual income by INR 1.36 lakh.

    From orders over INR 250, ONDC will start charging a transaction fee of INR 1.50 from January 1, 2025. This fee, intended to guarantee the platform’s financial stability, will be borne by sellers, including logistics companies, lenders, and insurers.

    Namma Yatri, an Indian Brand, Is Eyeing the American Market
    According to reports, the ride-hailing app Namma Yatri, based in Bengaluru, is looking into entering the American market.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • To Democratise Financial Services, WeCredit Joins the Indian Government-Backed ONDC

    In an effort to democratise financial services nationwide, WeCredit, an Udaipur-based firm, has joined the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) Network, which is supported by the Indian government, as a Buyer App. 

    According to the press note, the strategic integration will make it possible for users—both people and businesses—to easily access lending and borrowing services through the ONDC Network, offering a simplified experience for anyone looking for financial solutions.

    According to WeCredit co-founder Mukul Devpura, the company is excited to be a part of the ONDC Network and sees this as a major chance for investment and expansion within its broader business plan.

    Making an Effort to Streamline the Loan Application Procedure

    The landscape of digital banking has undergone a dramatic change with WeCredit’s admission into the ONDC Network. The firm will concentrate on improving financial accessibility and streamlining the loan application procedure, enabling consumers to more effectively reach their financial objectives.

    The advancement supports ONDC’s overarching goal of promoting a more transparent and inclusive digital economy. Firm is delighted to be a part of a movement that seeks to make e-commerce more equitable and accessible for all people and businesses, regardless of their size or location, as India prepares for a digital revolution. According to Devpura, ONDC is about more than just expanding businesses; it’s also about helping to transform Indian trade by encouraging cooperation, diversity, and creativity.

    Plans to Increase the Range of Products Offered

    WeCredit will first concentrate on credit products as part of its staged strategy, with plans to soon broaden its offerings to include investment options, insurance, and a few retail categories.

    WeCredit will function as a Technology Service Provider (TSP) on the ONDC Network in addition to being a Buyer App. Because of this function, WeCredit may assist companies that want to access the network without having to invest in a large internal IT infrastructure. 

    “ONDC is dedicated to furthering its goals of democratising digital commerce and promoting financial inclusion,” said T Koshy, MD and CEO of ONDC. Both small and large enterprises will be better able to negotiate the digital financial landscape thanks to WeCredit’s capabilities, which will create new avenues for growth and businesses.

    What WeCredit Does?

    WeCredit is a website that offers loans to both people and companies. It gives consumers a platform that enables them to apply for credit cards and loans instantly, with little paperwork and at affordable interest rates. In order to satisfy their credit needs, they concentrate on putting prospective borrowers in touch with various banks and regulated organisations. Over $2.86 billion has been raised by WeCredit and its rivals in 102 investment rounds with 375 investors, according to Tracxn. The competition set consists of three public companies, two acquired companies, and one private unicorn.

    SEBI Warns on Virtual Stock Games Using Real-Time Data
    SEBI warns investors about the risks of virtual stock games that use real-time market data, citing potential regulatory concerns.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Saarthi, a New Reference App From ONDC, Will Help Companies Build Multilingual Buyer Apps

    Saarthi is a reference application that was developed by the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to assist businesses in the process of developing their buyer-side applications that are highly customized.

    The artificial intelligence-driven language translation tool known as Saarthi was developed in collaboration with Bhashini. In addition to providing members in the network with a comprehensive architecture that enables smooth integration with ONDC, it also delivers expanded multilingual capabilities for a digital commerce experience that is more accessible.

    Developing Software That Supports Multiple Languages

    Saarthi is a reference tool that assists network members in the process of developing buyer applications that have multilingual capabilities. The programme initially supports five languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Bangla, and Tamil.

    According to Bhashini’s objectives, the application will eventually be able to support all 22 languages. Consequently, this means that businesses are able to provide customers with a buying experience that is both personalised and localised, removing barriers related to language and increasing accessibility for people all throughout India.

    What is Bhashini?

    The objective of the “Digital India BHASHINI” initiative is to facilitate the creation of content in Indian languages, as well as to enable easy access to the internet and digital services in Indian languages, including access obtained through speech. It was put into operation at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, during the month of August 2022. Bhasha Interface for India is what Bashini is an abbreviation for.

    In order to provide digital access and digital empowerment in an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, it makes use of natural language technologies to enable a diversified ecosystem filled with contributors, collaborating entities, and citizens. This is done with the intention of overcoming language barriers.

    Features of Saarthi

    Saarthi’s multilingual features, which include real-time translation, transliteration, and speech recognition, make it possible for enterprises to broaden their market reach. This, in turn, enables them to enter new regions and improve the number of customers they acquire.

    It is important to note that the user-friendly and region-specific experience can also result in increased conversion rates and decreased support costs, which in turn can streamline operations and increase income.

    In addition to this, the Saarthi application was developed with the goal of achieving scalability and simplicity of integration.

    Views of the Partners

    According to T Koshy, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ONDC, the introduction of Saarthi is a significant step forward in their journey towards a digital commerce landscape that is more inclusive. Through the provision of a reference application that enables businesses to develop buyer applications in several languages, the team is succeeding in removing obstacles caused by language and opening up new opportunities for engagement and expansion. The ONDC is committed to democratising access to eCommerce, and this programme coincides with that goal. It ensures that businesses of all sizes can engage with customers throughout India’s varied linguistic spectrum.

    The fact that Bhashini is working with ONDC on Saarthi, according to Amitabh Nag, the Bhashini’s Chief Executive Officer, demonstrates the company’s commitment to addressing linguistic barriers in the realm of digital commerce. The objective of Bhashini is to accomplish the goal of making multilingual voice communication a universal medium, thereby breaking down language barriers in a variety of sectors beyond text and graphics. This cutting-edge language technology was developed by the company with the intention of enabling businesses to develop applications that accurately reflect the vast linguistic diversity that exists in India. By working together, the company is not only increasing the accessibility of online shopping but also establishing a new benchmark for inclusiveness in the digital marketplace.

    Soon, ONDC Will Offer Insurance and Mutual Funds
    Next two months, the open-source aggregator platform known as the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) will be launching insurance and mutual fund products.
    StartupTalkyNitin Konde

  • Porter Now Part of Indian Govt-Backed ONDC Network

    A technology-enabled on-demand logistics provider Porter, has become a member of the Indian government-backed ONDC Network. The move follows strong financial results for FY24 from Porter’s parent company, SmartShift Logistics Solutions Private Limited.

    The revenue from operations of Porter, which was established in 2014, increased by 55.87% from INR 1,753.78 crore in FY23 to INR 2,733.79 crore.

    How Does Porter Operate?

    Porter provides users with access to a scalable and reliable logistics network, which is supported by a fleet of over 7.5 lakh carriers in more than 22 cities. The company guarantees the seamless fulfilment of orders and offers dependable, hyperlocal delivery services, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and efficiency.

    With a substantial increase in same-day hyperlocal deliveries, the ONDC Network is expanding at a rapid pace. Aproximately 53,000 orders are processed daily by the Open Network in a variety of categories, such as food and consumables.

    Porter will optimise delivery speed and reliability by offering its two-wheeler services in 20 locations throughout India to facilitate this expansion and enhance efficiency in the Food & Beverage sector.

    According to Abhinav Vadrevu, Vice-President of Two-Wheelers at Porter, the firm is enthusiastic about the prospect of integrating Porter’s services into the ONDC Network, which will improve the accessibility and reliability of services for consumers throughout India. Company’s dedication to providing seamless logistics solutions is reaffirmed by its participation in the Open Network.

    Porter anticipates that ONDC’s extensive reach will enable him to satisfy the increasing demand for hyperlocal deliveries. Vadrevu also stated that the organisation will make a concerted effort to broaden its portfolio in order to accommodate a more comprehensive array of customer delivery requirements.

    Firm’s Primary Goal Is to Improve the Fleet of Two-Wheelers

    Porter’s objectives include enriching its two-wheeler fleet and broadening its supply base in emerging markets and tier-2 cities.

    The growth and efficacy of eCommerce are dependent on logistics services, which serve as the foundation for customer satisfaction and the seamless fulfilment of orders.

    “By extending an invitation to Porter to join the ONDC Network, we are fortifying this indispensable element of the e-commerce environment.” T Koshy, MD & CEO of ONDC, stated. He further added that this not only expands the options available to consumers but also provides ONDC’s sellers with an additional reliable logistics option, thereby enhancing the open and reorganised nature of the Network.

    There are 99 applications in the ONDC network, including 24 client applications and 75 seller applications. Shoppers have the option of selecting one of the 24 buyer apps to purchase their desired products. Sellers have the option of selecting from one of the 75 options available for listing on the Network. Every seller on any seller app has the ability to sell to any buyer on any buyer app.

    ONDC: Transforming the Face of Indian eCommerce
    In this article, we take a closer look at how ONDC is expected to transform the shopping experience and what room for improvement some participants see within the ONDC universe.
    StartupTalkyPrithvi Durai