The employment narrative in India is undergoing a significant change. As 2025 concludes, job creation is increasingly driven by platforms that operate outside conventional corporate and public sector frameworks. Mobility services have emerged as a major contributor to this transition.
For decades, Indian Railways represented the pinnacle of mass employment, offering stability and nationwide reach. While it continues to play a vital role, the emergence of digital platforms has introduced a parallel model of large-scale livelihood creation.
Rapido has grown into one of India’s most extensive mobility networks, operating across more than 400 cities. By enabling people to earn through personal vehicles, the platform has lowered entry barriers to income generation.
Since its launch, Rapido has facilitated over 9 million livelihood opportunities. With around 3 lakh new captains joining each month, the platform continues to expand its footprint across urban and semi-urban regions.
Pavan Guntupalli, Rapido’s Co-founder, states that the platform currently supports over 30 lakh captains. He points to increasing demand and flexible earning options as key drivers of sustained participation.
The company has focused on addressing common challenges in gig work, including income volatility and high downtime. Features such as category switching, subscription-based earnings, and improved ride allocation have helped captains maintain consistent income levels.
Safety remains a foundational element of the platform. Background checks, mandatory training, GPS tracking, emergency assistance, and privacy protections contribute to user trust and platform reliability.
Rapido’s strongest growth has been observed in Tier II and Tier III cities, where employment opportunities are often limited. For many workers, the platform offers a practical alternative to migration and low-wage local jobs.
As India adapts to changing workforce dynamics, Rapido’s model highlights how technology can support large-scale, flexible, and accessible livelihood creation.
