• Source:JND
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Rapido has stepped into the food delivery game with the launch of Ownly, a new app that promises affordable meals without hidden charges. Rolled out on Wednesday, the platform currently operates in select Bengaluru neighbourhoods and is available only via the Google Play Store.

According to reports, Ownly is designed as a zero-commission platform, offering meals at prices closer to those found offline. Everyday staples like rice and eggs are priced under ₹100, while full meals will reportedly be capped at ₹150 or less—about 15% cheaper than Swiggy or Zomato.

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Instead of charging restaurants high commissions, Ownly will use a flat delivery fee model. Orders above ₹100 will have a ₹25 delivery charge, while smaller orders within 4 km will cost ₹20 to deliver. There will be no platform fee, no inflated menu prices, no packaging surcharge, and no hidden extras.

Currently, the app is live in Byrasandra, Tavarekere, Madiwala (BTM) Layout, and Hosur Sarjapura Road (HSR) Layout. In other cities, including Delhi, users are greeted with a “Location is outside our service area” message.

The launch follows closed pilots in certain localities and discussions with the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and other bodies to finalise onboarding terms. Rapido aims to make Ownly a cost-friendly alternative to existing giants, but it will face an uphill battle breaking Swiggy and Zomato’s stronghold—a space where many, including Coca-Cola-backed Thrive, have tried and failed. Thrive, once operational in 80 cities, shut down in late 2024, citing “extraordinarily challenging” market conditions.

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Whether Ownly can disrupt the duopoly or become another cautionary tale remains to be seen.