Rutur App Takes on Ola and Rapido

Rutur, a ride-booking app founded in 2023 by Warangal native Vangeti Nikhil Kumar and his two friends, has launched its services in Warangal, Hanamkonda and Kazipet ahead of the Dasara festival. The platform aims to reduce the commission burden on drivers, offer relief to passengers from surge pricing and provide safer journeys. Similar to Ola and Rapido, Rutur offers bike, auto and cab services. The company initially launched its operations in Hyderabad and has since expanded to more than 40 cities across India. Nikhil, who hails from Mahmadapuram village in Duggondi mandal of Warangal district, completed an MSc in International Business in the United Kingdom and worked for six years as an operations manager in real estate management. Drawing on his professional experience and observations of the transportation sector, he returned to India to establish a business that addresses common challenges faced by drivers and passengers. He joined hands with his college friends Akshay and Gandham Kranti Kumar to develop the platform. Nikhil serves as the CEO, Kranti Kumar as the COO and Akshay as the CFO.

Passenger safety is one of Rutur’s key priorities. The company verifies drivers’ details and documents, including police clearance records, before approving their registration through the Rutur Captain app, available via the Play Store and App Store. It is also introducing features such as an SOS button and live location sharing to help passengers during emergencies. The company plans to train drivers on professional conduct and safe passenger drop-offs. Passengers can download the Rutur app from the Play Store or App Store to access its services. The startup is also focusing on last-mile connectivity, aiming to make travel easier from main roads to residential colonies. According to the company’s approach, its driver-friendly model seeks to reduce the impact of commissions on drivers’ earnings while connecting them with passengers. The launch in Warangal, Hanamkonda and Kazipet marks an important step in bringing the platform to its founder’s home region.