Latest news with #Rapido
Indian Express
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Maharashtra govt to launch ride-hailing app to compete with Ola, Uber
The Maharashtra government will soon introduce an app-based autorickshaw, taxi, and e-bike service aimed at creating jobs for local youth, particularly those from the Marathi-speaking belt, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Monday. The service that would be operated under the state transport department would offer a competition for the private players in the sector, which is currently dominated by private cab aggregator platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido, according to Sarnik. The proposal has received an in-principle nod from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, but the clearance from the Cabinet is expected soon, Sarnaik said. Sarnaik, who is also the chairman of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), said the app-based aggregator platform for the state is almost complete, and the government is deliberating on names such as Jai Maharashtra, Maha-Ride, Maha-Yatri, or Maha-Go for the app. The app is being developed in collaboration with institutions such as the Maharashtra Institute for Transport Technology and Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), with private players in consultation. 'This will not only offer comfortable travel for commuters but also generate employment for thousands of youngsters in Maharashtra,' Sarnaik said, adding that all terms in the Centre's aggregator policy guidelines are being adhered to. The government plans to check the monopoly and ensure transparency in fare levels and drivers' benefits, officials from the transport department said. The app will offer services by auto-rickshaws, taxis, and e-bikes in towns and cities. Officials indicated that the platform will also be made compatible with the Central Government's Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020, which stipulate safety, accountability, and fare regulation standards for digital transport aggregators. 'The government has the technical knowledge, infrastructure, and manpower. This model, if well implemented, will serve the interests of both service providers and users,' he added.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
‘3 creepy men, 3 traumatised girls': Bengaluru women share video of men chasing them, video sparks outrage
In a disturbing incident, three women exploring Bengaluru and its cafes were allegedly stalked and followed by three men near the popular Rameshwaram Cafe in JP Nagar. The victims recorded the incident, and it is now circulating on the Internet. In the now-viral video, one of the three women involved recounts how a group of men initially followed them on foot and later chased them in a car after they boarded a Rapido auto. 'They are following us now… just before our Rapido came, they pulled up and stopped their car right in front of us,' the woman says in the video. 'We tried to talk to the auto driver, but he didn't give a damn.' The women described feeling 'shaken, scared and traumatised' by the ordeal, which took place in broad daylight. They eventually managed to evade the men in traffic, but the incident has triggered widespread outrage across social media. Sharing the video, @suha_hana88 wrote, '3 creepy men 3 traumatised girls.' Watch here: A post shared by 🧚🍄✨ (@suha_hana88) The video amassed over a million views, igniting a wave of reactions condemning the incident. 'Women will literally share their experience about being harassed and stalked and some men will still find a way to blame them as a victim,' a user wrote. 'U should take their car no. And complain to the police station it would be much more safe and relevant, well I can feel it was traumatizing so yah understandable at least u guys are safe,' a third user reacted. 'girl, please don't hesitate to disclose their vehicle registration number,' a fourth user chimed in. A similar incident took place in May, where a Bengaluru woman was allegedly harrassed at Eco World IT park around 11.40 pm when she was walking near the main gate of the IT park. According to reports, the men followed her on a motorcycle and assaulted her several times before fleeing.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'I cried for my mother but couldn't return': Ex-assistant director now drives Rapido to chase his filmmaking dreams
The internet is moved by the clip When filmmaker and content creator Ratnam E M Kalra booked a Rapido ride , he didn't expect the man behind the bike to be an assistant director. But that's exactly what unfolded when he met Viraj Srivastav — a former assistant director turned Rapido captain — whose story of grit, loss, and unshakable ambition is now touching thousands shared the encounter on Instagram, saying it all started when Srivastav noticed an action camera strapped to his shoulder and asked if he was a vlogger. When Kalra replied that he was a filmmaker, Srivastav said, 'So was I.' That sparked a conversation that turned a routine ride into something unforgettable. It was Srivastav's very first day with Rapido, and Kalra happened to be his first ride — a twist of fate that felt almost from a modest background, Srivastav had worked as an assistant director on Zee TV's hit show Qubool Hai, starring Surbhi Jyoti and Karan Singh Grover. His first salary was a humble ₹2,250, but it was enough to ignite his passion. However, life threw a devastating curveball when his father passed away. Forced to put his dreams on hold, Srivastav dropped out of his studies due to financial constraints and moved away, leaving his mother Kalra's reel, Srivastav reflects on his journey with quiet determination: he's travelled across half the world, filled up three passports, but now finds himself working part-time gigs just to get by. He shares how deeply he misses his mother, recalling the helplessness of not knowing how to return home after everything fell his spirit never broke. Srivastav is not just a filmmaker in waiting — he's also a trained musician. He plays drums, congo, and ukulele, and is trained in thumri, a semi-classical vocal form. He still holds tight to one vision: 'Before I die, I'll sit on that director's chair and call out 'Roll, camera, action'.'Kalra calls Srivastav 'special, stubborn, and talented,' and clearly, the internet agrees. The video has gone viral, not just for the story it tells, but for the reminder it offers — that no matter where life takes you, some dreams are too loud to stay Rawat, known for her role in Chak De! India and her background as a hockey player responded to the reel with admiration, calling Viraj an incredible person. Influencer-turned-actress Kusha Kapila also chimed in, referencing Viraj's powerful words from the interview. Many others echoed similar sentiments, deeply moved by his determination and resilience. One user praised his spirit, while another highlighted how it's that unshakeable stubbornness for success that truly sets people apart.
News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
Maharashtra Govt To Launch New App To Book Cabs, Autos & E-Bikes. Will It Disrupt Ride Costs?
Last Updated: Maharashtra plans to launch an app-based transport service to compete with Uber, Ola, and Rapido. Possible names include Jai Maharashtra, Maha-Ride, Maha-Yatri, or Maha-Go. Uber, Ola, Rapido and other ride-hailing businesses will soon witness a new competitor in Maharashtra as the Devendra Fadnavis government is considering to launch its own app-based transport service. People will be able to book autorickshaws, taxis, and e-bikes in the state through this application. The new government-run app is likely to be named Jai Maharashtra, Maha-Ride, Maha-Yatri, or Maha-Go, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said. However, the launch of the government app is yet to get approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. 'To develop the app, discussions are underway with the Maharashtra Institute for Transport Technology and MITRA, along with private firms. The app will include all necessary provisions to maintain transparency and will be developed soon," Sarnaik said. Under this initiative, the minister said special financial assistance will be provided to unemployed youth to purchase vehicles at an interest rate of just 10 per cent. 'Mumbai Bank Chairman Praveen Darekar assured that this initiative will enable financial aid to reach deserving candidates. Additionally, government corporations such as Annasaheb Economic Development Corporation, Vimukta Jati Corporation, OBC Corporation, and MSDC will provide an 11 per cent interest subsidy, making the loan effectively interest-free," he said. Sarnaik also mentioned that the app's policy framework is in the final stage, in line with the Central Government's Aggregator Guidelines. He criticised private companies for exploiting both drivers and passengers through unauthorised apps. 'With sufficient infrastructure, technology, and manpower, the government's app will benefit both passengers and drivers," he emphasised. A final review meeting on the app is scheduled for August 5 at Mantralaya, with MLA Praveen Darekar, technical experts, and government officials expected to attend. Earlier this month, the minister warned app-based transport businesses, saying buses, cars and bike taxis operating in the state must follow the rules and regulations. He has also given directions to officials to take strict legal action against any private transport services –whether buses, cars or bike taxis– that violate regulations. (With ANI inputs) view comments First Published: July 28, 2025, 23:04 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
'We tried getting help. No one cared': Bengaluru women share shocking video of being stalked by 'creepy men'
Three women in Bengaluru posted a video on Instagram after they were followed and chased by unidentified men near JP Nagar. The incident, which happened after a morning visit to Rameshwaram Cafe, left them visibly shaken. The video has gone viral, sparking public concern over the state of women's safety in Indian cities. Social media users have urged the women to file a police complaint, while others have shared similar experiences, highlighting how common such harassment has become. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 'Scared and traumatised': Women say incident wasn't just a close call Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Social media erupts with concern and advice Similar incidents shared by other women Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads No police complaint yet, but public pressure mounts Three women in Bengaluru have gone public with a chilling experience that unfolded in broad daylight. In a now-viral Instagram video, they alleged being stalked and followed by a group of unknown men after leaving Rameshwaram Cafe in JP Nagar. The video was posted by Instagram user @suha_hana88 with the caption "3 creepy men, 3 traumatised girls."One of the women, recording as events unfolded, says in the clip, "They are following us now. Early in the morning, we went to Rameshwaram Cafe. While walking in JP Nagar, we noticed a few men trailing us. They followed us on foot, then stopped their car in front of us just as our Rapido arrived. As soon as we got on, they started chasing us again. We tried speaking to an auto driver nearby, but he ignored us completely. We finally managed to lose them in traffic."The camera turns at points to show the car allegedly tailing them, and their voices tremble with the video, the women repeat how frightened they are. One of them says the incident has left them "scared and traumatised." Towards the end of the video, she adds, "We've reached home safely and now we're going to sleep, because this has been deeply traumatic for us."Another woman in the video says, "We realised there were people who were with us at Rameshwaram, and now they are following us." As they speak, they point to a silver car in the background. "They stopped their car right in front of us. The moment we got into the auto, they started chasing us in the same car," one of them group's attempt to get help from a nearby auto driver was unsuccessful. They say he simply ignored them and drove away, even after they tried to explain the video struck a nerve online. While many expressed outrage, others offered practical tips. Some users shared similar stories of being followed in public spaces, reflecting just how common such encounters are user commented, "This is so true... it gives chills when they start following."Another wrote, "Girls in such situations when its day time try to stay in a populated area, take a circular path to see if they are still following. And don't go straight to ur home. You would not want them to know where u live. If you see them still following the go straight to the police station. You may or may not inform the nearest police but in most of the cases you stopping at the police station will get rid of them. I am glad that all of you are safe now. Take care and be alert."A third user added bluntly, "Girl, please don't hesitate to disclose their vehicle registration number."The comment section didn't just stop at outrage. Some users opened up about their own unsettling woman wrote, "Apparently he was following me for a very long time, I didn't realise it. A couple of them reached out while I was walking back home with a colleague. They cornered us, luckily the PCR van was patrolling and took charge."Another user pointed out, "Women will literally share their experience about being harassed and stalked and some men will still find a way to blame them as a victim."Although the women haven't confirmed whether a formal police complaint has been lodged, the calls to do so are growing louder. Many users stressed that documenting these encounters is essential. It not only holds potential offenders accountable but may also encourage others to speak far, there's been no official police statement or report linked to the incident. But the video has already served a purpose. It has lit a fresh fire under the ongoing debate about how public spaces in Indian cities treat women — not just through the actions of stalkers, but also through the silence of isn't an isolated event. Public harassment and stalking remain painfully common across Indian cities, and the responses from authorities and the public are often inconsistent. What's more disturbing is the passive role many bystanders play in such moments. In this case, the auto driver's refusal to engage was not just unhelpful — it highlighted a deep-rooted women's decision to document and share the incident was courageous. It made something personal into something public. It forced a whether that conversation will lead to action is a question still waiting to be answered.
