Rapido to launch ‘Bike Pink’ in Karnataka; CEO Pavan Guntupalli says "our aim is to create around 25000 jobs"

At the "Global Investment Summit" on Friday, Rapido co-founder Pavan Guntupalli revealed the project ‘Bike Pink,’ highlighting Rapido's dedication to supporting women in the mobility sector.

By the end of this year, the ride-hailing app plans to introduce its "Pink Rapido" fleet in Karnataka, a women-only bike taxi service run by women, for women. 

Pavan Guntupalli at the Global Investment Summit

“I am glad to announce that this year, Karnataka will have pink bikes, service by the women for the women, which is one of our initiatives for women empowerment, creating 25,000 jobs just within this year for women,” - Pavan Guntupalli, CEO, Rapido

Speaking about the company's history, Mr. Guntupalli shared that when the business originally started in 2015, his team and he were among the first 15 drivers. At the time, the female passengers expressed that they felt safe.

“But as time progressed, obviously India is the land of diversity; we have hit a point where the women said they are more comfortable with women,” he said, launching the new initiative. 

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Creating More Opportunities for Women

In September 2024, Rapido launched Bike Pink in Chennai. It’s now Karnataka’s turn to feel the spirit of women's empowerment. Mr. Guntupalli stated that their team is always searching for methods to boost the number of female entrepreneurs and jobs for women, pointing out that 35% of the jobs the company has produced are in smaller towns.

“Our aim is to create 25,000 job opportunities for women by introducing women captains on Rapido bikes. If a woman can travel safely with a trusted driver and reach her destination without worry, that will be our true success,” - Mr Guntupalli said according to ANI.

Rapido said that in the initial phase, it would supply 25 electric bikes to women captains struggling financially to provide accessible income opportunities and transportation. In addition, the bike taxi aggregator announced that, in collaboration with other NGOs, it will provide comprehensive training programs to teach women captains essential driving and safety skills. 

Radhika Gupta, MD of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, a panellist at the session, also pointed out the importance of creating more opportunities for women.

“As a CEO, I spend more time in tier-2 and tier-3 India than I do in tier-1 India. And I absolutely believe that until you lift women in all states, you will be working like an engine with one wing. You need to have the economy to work like an engine with two wings. You have to create more opportunities for women as entrepreneurs, as job creators, as investors.”  - Radhika Gupta, MD, Edelweiss Mutual Fund

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