Rapido, a prominent bike-taxi platform, has announced plans to expand its services to 500 cities across India. The expansion will begin in February, starting with Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. The company, which is backed by WestBridge Capital, currently operates in over 120 cities.
In the previous year, Rapido raised $200 million in a Series E funding round, aiming to enhance connectivity and empower individuals through its platform. Pavan Guntupalli, co-founder of Rapido, said, “We’re excited to share our vision and demonstrate how technology can create positive social and economic impact. With over 1.3 crore Captains earning over 15,000 crore rupees on the platform, our expansion to 500 cities is a testament to our commitment to empowering individuals and building a more connected India.”
Rapido facilitates around 3.6 million rides daily and competes with US-based Uber, Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola, and Namma Yatri in the cab aggregation space.
Rapido’s ambitious expansion plans
The company’s aggressive growth strategy reflects its ambition to become a dominant player in the ride-hailing industry. The expansion will roll out in phases, with the company also looking to enter new states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and others, as announced at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025.
Co-founder and CEO Aravind Sanka previously disclosed the company’s expansion plans, stating, “The theme is launching new cities and going deeper into existing markets by investing in new use cases and also solving the barriers for people to use ride-sharing.
The news comes months after reports that global technology investor Prosus is looking to acquire a 5% stake in the cab aggregator for a valuation of $1 billion. Rapido became a unicorn in 2024 after raising funds in a Series E funding round. By expanding its services to additional cities, Rapido aims to significantly improve urban mobility options and provide more people with convenient and affordable transportation solutions.
The company’s participation in the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 underscores its dedication to innovation, accessibility, and its role in building a more mobile and connected India.
