Rapido Emerges as India’s Largest Gig Worker Employer

• Rapido has become India’s largest gig worker employer, with over 1.3 crore captains onboarded and around 2 million active monthly workers across 500+ cities.

Rapido, India’s homegrown bike-taxi platform, has rapidly transformed into the nation’s largest gig worker employer, redefining the landscape of informal employment. With over 1.3 crore captains onboarded and nearly 2 million active monthly workers, Rapido now surpasses even the most prominent names in India’s gig economy, including Uber, Ola, and food delivery giants.

Founded in 2015, Rapido began as a modest bike-taxi service but has since evolved into a major player in last-mile transportation and delivery services. Its unique value proposition—low-cost, fast, and convenient rides—has resonated strongly in both metro cities and smaller towns. Today, Rapido operates across 500+ Indian cities, offering opportunities to millions of individuals seeking flexible earning options.

A key driver of Rapido’s growth is its easy onboarding process, allowing anyone with a bike and valid documents to start earning within days. The company’s inclusive model attracts students, part-time workers, and those from economically weaker sections who benefit from quick payouts and minimal barriers to entry.

However, while the numbers are impressive, they also highlight the growing debate around gig worker rights. Earnings as low as ₹7–8 per km have raised concerns over fair compensation, job security, and social benefits. Despite these challenges, Rapido has partnered with government bodies like the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to provide upskilling and certification, signaling a move toward formalizing gig work.

As India’s unemployment challenges continue, Rapido’s gig model offers a scalable employment alternative. Yet, for sustainable growth, it must balance scale with fairness and worker well-being.