Pune: End Mile Connectivity Federation Joins ONDC Network with ‘O Rickshaw’ App Launch

Pune, 5th March 2024: In a monumental leap for Pune’s urban mobility, ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) today introduced the ‘O Rickshaw’ buyer and seller app, directly connecting auto drivers and riders in the city. This transformative initiative, championed by the End Mile Connectivity Federation, a community-driven Section 8 entity, signifies a groundbreaking collaboration on the ONDC Network, facilitated by tech enabler Suma Soft.

The ‘O Rickshaw’ app, designed for safe and affordable auto rides, is set to empower over 12,000 auto rickshaw drivers already associated with the federation. This marks a historic moment as the ONDC Network witnesses the integration of a driver collective, made possible through Suma Soft’s technological prowess.

The launch event witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Mr. T. Koshy (MD and CEO of ONDC), Mr. Hardikar (MD, Pune Metro), Mr. Vivek Velankar (President of Grahak Manch), Mr. Suryakant Pathak (President of Grahak Peth), Mr. Surendra Brahme (Director of Suma Soft), and Mr. Shrikant Acharya (Advisor, End Mile Federation).

Mr. T. Koshy, MD, and CEO of ONDC, emphasized the app’s alignment with ONDC’s mission to democratize e-commerce in India. The ‘O Rickshaw’ app is a testament to ONDC’s commitment to empower local communities, putting control in the hands of both auto drivers and riders.

Suma Soft, a key technology service provider for ONDC, played a pivotal role in the successful development of the ‘O Rickshaw’ app. With plans to onboard an additional 35,000 drivers within the next three months, Suma Soft envisions extending its services to other cities across Maharashtra in the next six months.

Surendra Brahme, Director at Suma Soft, expressed delight in contributing to India Stack’s components, emphasizing the creation of value in the lives of rickshaw drivers as a step toward shared prosperity.

Kedar Dhamale, Director at End Mile Connectivity Federation, elucidated the federation’s goal to revolutionize the last-mile transportation system in India, providing short-distance connectivity and creating employment opportunities.