Ride-hailing platform Uber has announced a strategic investment in the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) in India. This move marks one of the earliest investments by a global technology company in India’s open digital commerce network. Uber stated that this investment strengthens its dedication to India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystem and aligns with its long-term strategy of enhancing mobility and logistics services through open and interoperable networks.
The investment by Uber builds upon its existing partnership with ONDC and follows its previous integration with the network. As part of this extended collaboration, Uber plans to collaborate closely with ONDC to enhance access to multimodal transportation solutions, including integrating public transit, and to bolster logistics capabilities for businesses and independent earners working on the network.
Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India and South Asia, highlighted India’s global leadership in developing inclusive and scalable digital public infrastructure. Singh emphasized that by investing in the ONDC network, Uber aims to facilitate more movement, business growth, and opportunities for earners by leveraging the network’s capabilities.
Adil Zainulbhai, Independent Director at ONDC, expressed that Uber’s investment signifies a growing confidence in India’s digital commerce infrastructure and its role in fostering a fair business environment. He noted that Uber’s investment serves as a strong endorsement of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, showcasing its potential to drive innovation, efficiency, and inclusive growth.
Uber mentioned that metro ticketing services through its platform are now operational in five cities, with over 10 million metro rides already booked via the ONDC network. The company views this investment as a strategic move towards establishing open networks as the cornerstone for future mobility and logistics services in India.
