Ride-hailing platform Rapido is set to disrupt India’s online food delivery market with the launch of its own food delivery service, promising significantly lower commission rates for restaurant partners.
According to a report by The Economic Times, Rapido has formalized commercial terms with food businesses through a strategic partnership with the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI). The company plans to roll out a pilot program in Bengaluru by late June or early July.
In a market dominated by Zomato and Swiggy, which currently charge restaurants between 16–30% in commissions, Rapido will offer a more economical model, with commission rates ranging between 8–15%, depending on order value. This pricing structure is expected to particularly benefit small and price-sensitive eateries, many of which have long voiced concerns over the high costs imposed by established aggregators.
In addition to favorable terms for restaurants, Rapido is also introducing a simple, transparent delivery fee for consumers: Rs. 25 for orders below Rs. 400, and Rs. 50 for orders above. Orders will be placed through the Rapido app, which will now include food delivery as an additional service.
“This move could redefine the economics of food delivery in India,” said a senior industry executive. “Especially for independent and small-scale restaurants, the reduced commissions offer a sustainable alternative.”
Rapido’s entry follows a history of failed attempts by other ride-hailing giants to capture market share in the food delivery space. However, with a leaner pricing model and existing last-mile delivery infrastructure, Rapido is positioning itself as a serious challenger in this hyper-competitive segment.
