Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is shaking hands with Indian online transportation network company, Ola to boost transportation across the state, with both inter-city and intra-city services. Its main aim is to promote tourism and mobility ecosystem in the state.
Tourism plays a very important role in the development of the country economy. To improve the growth of tourism in Andhra Pradesh, the tourism department has undertaken various initiatives to develop Andhra Pradesh as one of the India’s leading tourist destination. With the newly formed state capital – Amaravathi, the state has initiated renewed vision for growth and development across industries and sectors.
With the partnership between Ola and APTDC, Ola is bringing 25,000 job opportunities in the state and encouraging entrepreneurship and sustainable income for the youth over next five years. Ola will provide better experience to millions of tourists and residents by launching into new cities from existing 6 in next 5 years, providing unique mobility solutions. The Agreement is signed.
The first batch of co-branded Ola and Andhra Pradesh Tourism cars were flagged-off by the AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Secretary- Tourism Mukesh Kumar Meena, CEO-APTA& MD-APTDC Himanshu Shukla. I.A.S, together with Pranay Jivrajka, founding partner, Ola, at MoU signing ceremony in Amaravati.
The partnership would also extended further, and bringing additional offering like electric vehicles, bikes and buses in the sate based on feasibility and regulatory constraints.
On the occasion, Mr. Naidu stated, “Our vision is to make Andhra Pradesh, a model state not just for India but for audiences globally. For this, we are betting heavily on technology-based models across sectors. Partnering with companies such as Ola, which has added a new dimension to transportation in India, is in keeping with this vision. Together, we will be able to provide a reliable commute service to tourists and residents, as well as create job and entrepreneurial opportunities for several thousands.”
Commenting on the partnership, Mukesh Kumar Meena said, “Andhra Pradesh has a rich cultural, religious, and historical background. Streamlining transportation and launching a unique offering for tourists and residents will be of significant benefit. The partnership with India’s most popular platform for ridesharing will also help us train thousands of driver partners become entrepreneurs and play a role in enhancing customer experience.”
Under the ‘Rental’ offering which provides convenient rides based on hourly rates to customers, Ola is planning to create fixed fare packages for main routes in Vijayawada including airport, the secretariat, railway station, Stalin Corp and others. Customers have the option to book cabs from Ola Kiosks set up at various key locations in the city.