Rapido launches Ownly Food Delivery App, entering Bengaluru’s competitive market

INDIA – Indian ride-hailing company Rapido has officially launched its standalone food delivery app, Ownly, marking its entry into the rapidly growing food delivery segment.

Initial operations are focused in select areas of Bengaluru, including Koramangala, HSR Layout, and BTM Layout.

The app has been tested internally among Rapido employees for several weeks before its public rollout.

Ownly aims to differentiate itself by offering affordable meals with a zero-commission model for partner restaurants.

Unlike popular apps such as Swiggy and Zomato that charge commissions of up to 30%, Ownly charges restaurants a fixed delivery fee per order.

This reduces costs for eateries and allows the platform to offer customers meals priced about 15% lower than competitors, bringing online food prices closer to offline restaurant rates.

The app features popular brands such as Faasos, Krispy Kreme, Wow!, and EatFit. Most food items on Ownly’s menu are priced below Rs 150 (US$1.80), with staple dishes like chapati, rice, and eggs available for under Rs 100 (US$1.20).

By focusing on affordability, Rapido hopes to attract budget-conscious consumers in Bengaluru’s competitive market.

The delivery fee model includes restaurants covering delivery costs for orders within a four-kilometer radius.

Customers pay a nominal surcharge depending on order value—Rs 20 (US$0.25) for orders up to Rs 100; Rs 25 (US$0.30) plus GST for orders between Rs 100 and Rs 400; and Rs 50 (US$0.60) for orders above Rs 400.

Ownly leverages Rapido’s extensive network of two-wheelers, which already manages millions of rides and deliveries monthly across India.

This vast fleet is expected to enable faster deliveries and cost efficiencies for the food service.

This strategic move represents Rapido’s largest push into the highly competitive food delivery sector, where it faces well-established players.

The launch follows recent discussions between Rapido and the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI), which represents thousands of eateries nationwide.

The NRAI has been seeking alternatives to current platforms with high commission fee structures, and Ownly’s zero-commission approach aligns with these goals.

If successful in Bengaluru, Rapido plans to expand Ownly’s reach to other Indian cities, competing head-on with established giants while focusing on affordability and lower fees for restaurants and consumers alike.

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