Odisha Yatri: How the state-owned ride-hailing app is different from Ola, Uber

Launched in January 2025, Odisha Yatri is Odisha's official ride-hailing platform, designed to offer a transparent, inclusive, and cost-effective alternative to private operators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido.

Backed by the state government and integrated with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), the app is already reshaping the mobility landscape across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other cities.

State-Driven and Zero-Commission Model

Unlike private platforms that charge drivers commissions upwards of 20% to 30%, Odisha Yatri operates on a zero-commission model. This means that drivers retain 100% of their fare earnings, improving their livelihoods significantly.

The government’s objective is to build a balanced ecosystem where both the driver and the commuter benefit directly, bypassing third-party aggregators and middlemen.

Transparent and Affordable Pricing

Odisha Yatri’s pricing is determined by the government, ensuring affordable fares with no surge pricing—a feature that has frequently drawn criticism towards platforms like Ola and Uber. The app offers non-AC and AC minicabs, sedans, XL cabs, inter-city rides, rentals, and scheduled bookings at consistent rates.

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Enhanced Safety and Inclusivity

Designed with safety in mind, the app includes real-time trip tracking, the ability to share trip details, and integration with the Odisha Police 112 emergency system.

It also promotes inclusivity through disability-friendly vehicles, pet-friendly services, and options for extra luggage, which are typically absent or inconsistent in most private ride-hailing apps.

Rapid Adoption and Trusted Governance

Within 45 days of its launch, the platform completed over 1 lakh rides, reflecting strong public confidence.

Unlike private platforms that have faced trust issues over pricing and driver treatment, Odisha Yatri’s state oversight provides a layer of reliability and public accountability.

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How Odisha Yatri Differs from Ola, Uber, and Rapido

Commission-Free Earnings: Private operators like Ola and Uber typically deduct significant commissions from drivers' earnings. Odisha Yatri’s zero-commission structure is unprecedented, directly empowering drivers.

No Surge Pricing: Unlike Ola and Uber which use dynamic pricing algorithms, Odisha Yatri maintains regulated fares, ensuring affordability.

Government-Run Oversight: Odisha Yatri is state-managed, offering a governance framework that ensures policy-backed support, unlike the private ownership models of its competitors.

Open Digital Network Integration: Odisha Yatri is powered by the ONDC—an open network promoted by the Indian government—fostering interoperability and transparency.

Inclusive Features: From special needs accessibility to pet-friendliness, Odisha Yatri focuses on comprehensive user requirements, rarely prioritised by private players.

Driver Onboarding Ease: Unlike Ola/Uber which require more extensive and often costly onboarding, Odisha Yatri uses a simple verification process without onboarding fees.

Tourism and Public Transport Integration: Odisha Yatri plans to integrate with public transport and tourism (OTDC), aiming for multi-modal transport, something largely absent in existing private platforms.