After Uber signed a strategic MoU with the Tamil Nadu Government, Ola too is stepping up its game, and is hence announcing signing of a similar MoU with Andhra Pradesh. India’s largest app-based cab hailing company has committed to invest $22.5 Million In Coming Three Years on terms similar to that of Uber.
As a part of this MoU, Ola will enable technology to bring support to over 50,000 vehicles in the state within the next three years to ensure smart, reliable and safe transportation in the cities. Apart from facilitating those 50K driver partners, Ola says that it will also actively take part AP Government’s vision of transforming Andhra Pradesh into a smart – tourism hub.
In a statement mailed to us, Ola details,
Tourists visiting Andhra Pradesh will be able to avail the benefits of Ola’s technology and best in class service to visit some of the most prominent tourist destinations across the State, with a single tap on their smartphones.
Honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu shared his thoughts on signing the MoU
Transportation is one of the most important areas where technology can make a big difference. Mobile technology driven transportation apps like Ola can play a major role in creating job opportunities for hundreds of thousands in the state as well as in providing timely and efficient transportation for all.
The company’s proposed investment of INR 150 cr in a bid to encourage driver entrepreneurship and to create employment opportunities in the state. Currently Ola has over 10,000 vehicles on its platform in the state and it plans to increase this number to 50,000 in the next 3 years.
The company says that it has elaborate plans for rolling out an ‘extensive skill development program’ for drivers and will be providing free skill development training to drivers during this time.
One however can not ignore to note the similarity between Ola’s MoU and Uber’s with the Tamil Nadu Government. And while it can possibly be their rivalry which has brought in these two quick MoUs, both of these for sure, will ultimately help in bringing employement opportunities to a lot of unskilled workers in these states — apart from also helping realise their respective ‘smart city’ dreams.
