In a strategic move poised to transform India’s gig economy, Rapido partners with NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) to enhance job readiness and create scalable earning opportunities for gig workers. This partnership aims to bridge the persistent gap between skill development and employability in India by combining NSDC’s training infrastructure with Rapido’s extensive network of bike taxi captains. Through this collaboration, gig workers will not only receive certified training but also gain direct access to flexible income streams via Rapido’s platform.
NSDC will take charge of identifying and mobilizing potential candidates through its vast network of training partners. It will also help co-develop a standardized training curriculum that emphasizes technical, behavioral, and safety skills. On the other hand, Rapido will ensure onboarding support, vehicle access (two-wheelers and three-wheelers), and provide consistent earnings to both part-time and full-time captains.
With over 5 million income earners and a target to serve 500 cities, Rapido has firmly established itself as one of India’s fastest-growing gig mobility platforms. Their inclusive initiative, “Pink Mobility,” further amplifies the impact of this collaboration by supporting female captains, ensuring greater workforce diversity and participation.
Industry experts believe this move aligns with broader government and startup ecosystem goals to create sustainable livelihood avenues and support the expanding gig economy. By integrating formal training with digital employment, this partnership also brings legitimacy and structure to the informal sector, helping uplift millions.
This development is seen as a pivotal leap for India’s startup-led skilling narrative. It not only deepens the integration between job platforms and skill-building institutions but also sets a precedent for public-private partnerships in the gig space.
1. About Rapido: Founding, Model, Services
1.1 Founding and Founders
Founded in 2015, Rapido is a Bengaluru-based mobility startup created by Aravind Sanka, Pavan Guntupalli, and Rishikesh SR. The trio envisioned a platform that could solve India’s first and last-mile commute challenges using technology and affordable bike taxis.
1.2 Business Model and Revenue Streams
Rapido operates on an aggregator model, similar to major ride-hailing companies. It connects independent bike and auto drivers, called “Captains,” to customers via a mobile app. Rapido charges a commission on each ride, typically around 15%-20%, which forms the bulk of its revenue. It also earns from in-app advertisements, brand collaborations, and logistics partnerships like hyperlocal deliveries.
1.3 Product and Service Offerings
Rapido offers three key services:
- Bike Taxi Service – Affordable, quick urban transportation.
- Rapido Auto – Three-wheeler auto rickshaw rides.
- Rapido Local – Delivery service for groceries and packages.
Their Captain App allows drivers to easily sign up, track rides, earnings, and access support services. Rapido is present in over 100 cities and aims to scale to 500+ cities in the coming years.
2. Inside the Partnership: Rapido partners with NSDC
2.1 Skill Development as the Backbone
Rapido partners with NSDC to ensure gig workers get formal training in technical, behavioral, and safety-related skills. NSDC, with its Skill India network, will provide access to certified training modules under the government framework.
2.2 Employment and Income Integration
Post-training, individuals can access full-time and part-time jobs via Rapido. NSDC helps identify and mobilize these individuals, while Rapido ensures access to vehicles and income support, effectively integrating skilling and employment on one platform.
2.3 Empowerment through Pink Mobility
Rapido’s Pink Mobility initiative is embedded in this partnership. This sub-program offers added benefits and inclusivity measures for female driver partners, promoting gender balance in the gig economy.
3. Strategic Significance of the Tie-up
3.1 Transforming the Gig Ecosystem
Rapido partners with NSDC to expand gig economy opportunities. This alliance will provide structured access to sustainable livelihood options for millions in the informal sector. With gig work increasingly defining India’s urban employment scene, such initiatives promote formalization, inclusivity, and job dignity.
3.2 Government and Startup Synergy
The partnership echoes India’s policy efforts toward greater startup participation in public development goals. With NSDC backing skilling and Rapido providing employment, this model becomes a blueprint for future startup-government alliances.
3.3 A Boost to Mobility Startups
As Indian tech startups scale to Tier II and III cities, the success of models like Rapido-NSDC will pave the way for deeper regional penetration and job creation beyond metro areas.
4. Industry Insights and Growth Opportunities
4.1 Trends in India’s Gig Economy
India’s gig economy is projected to reach $455 billion by 2024, with over 350 million gig workers contributing significantly to urban mobility, food delivery, and e-commerce. Skilling platforms paired with digital employment are crucial to this expansion.
4.2 Learning from the Rapido-NSDC Model
Other startups can replicate this integrated approach by pairing with educational institutions or government agencies to merge employability with access to income. Such models bring structure, scale, and social equity.
5. Leadership Insights
Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC, emphasized how this tie-up will help bridge the gap between training and employment. According to him, this initiative will prepare gig workers with critical technical and behavioral capabilities while improving service quality.
Pavan Guntupalli, Co-Founder of Rapido, added that their goal is to empower captains by offering sustainable, inclusive livelihoods, especially through initiatives like Pink Mobility.
6. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
6.1 Embrace Public-Private Collaboration
Startups should explore partnerships with public agencies like NSDC to access large-scale resources and legitimacy.
6.2 Build Inclusive Platforms
Inclusivity isn’t just about compliance—it’s a growth strategy. Rapido’s Pink Mobility shows how focusing on female participation can increase workforce strength.
6.3 Merge Skilling with Opportunity
The future of employment lies at the intersection of education and access. Creating job linkages within your business model can attract and retain talent sustainably.
6.4 Leverage India’s Gig Expansion
The gig economy is India’s employment frontier. Any solution that offers earnings, flexibility, and dignity will scale fast.
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When it comes to covering disruptive partnerships that shape the future of India’s workforce, The Startups News is your most reliable media hub. With a sharp focus on India’s tech startups, skilling updates, funding announcements, and startup policy news, we decode every trend that matters. Whether you’re a founder exploring partnerships or an investor looking at gig economy trends, The Startups News gives you insights grounded in facts and future vision.
