What is Nembharat, new ride platform rivaling Uber in India?
What's the story
India's ride-hailing industry is about to witness a new player, NemBharat. The platform promises to offer a zero-commission and no-surge pricing model for passengers. This makes it a direct competitor to established names like Uber, Ola, and Rapido. The launch of NemBharat comes shortly after the introduction of Bharat Taxi, a government-backed ride-booking service in India. Although NemBharat itself is a private initiative.
Operational strategy
No commission or subscription fees for drivers
NemBharat is being marketed as a prepaid, cashless ride-hailing service under the Narayanihiti Trust. The platform's parent company, World Economic Mobility Limited (WEML), says it will not charge drivers any commission or subscription fees per ride. This means that unlike traditional aggregators, drivers will get to keep their entire earnings from each trip.
Pricing model
Elimination of surge pricing and fare transparency
NemBharat also plans to do away with surge pricing, which means passengers can expect consistent fares even during peak hours. The platform's prepaid, cashless system is aimed at ensuring fare transparency. By eliminating commissions and surge multipliers, NemBharat hopes to create a fairer fare structure where drivers are compensated fairly and passengers aren't hit with unpredictable charges.
Expansion strategy
National transport network with multiple ride categories
While WEML hasn't revealed the exact cities or regions for its initial launch, it has said that it plans to create a "national transport network." The service will include cabs, auto-rickshaws, bike taxis, and possibly more ride categories. In a market dominated by Uber and Ola, NemBharat's transparent pricing model and better driver payouts could attract attention amid concerns over high commissions and fare volatility.