In 2010, two young entrepreneurs, Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati, set out to solve a problem most Indians faced daily—reliable transport. What began as a small idea, renting cars for outstation trips, soon pivoted into something much bigger: Ola Cabs, a ride-hailing service designed to make urban travel convenient, affordable, and accessible at the tap of a button.

But the road to success was far from smooth. Ola entered a market where people still relied heavily on auto-rickshaws, traditional taxis, and public transport. Convincing drivers to join the platform was difficult, as many were skeptical of smartphones and digital payments. On the other side, customers were hesitant to trust an app with their daily commute. Competitors like Uber added to the pressure, bringing global expertise and deep pockets.

Ola’s team, however, was relentless. They tailored the service to Indian needs—introducing cash payments when digital adoption was low, launching Ola Auto for short rides, and even Ola Share for carpooling. Their constant innovation helped them stand out. Gradually, drivers saw higher earnings, riders experienced convenience, and Ola started becoming a household name.

One of Ola’s biggest achievements was its expansion beyond cabs. From electric vehicles and bike taxis to Ola Electric scooters, the company began focusing on sustainable mobility. In 2021, Ola launched its futuristic EV manufacturing plant, one of the largest in the world, signaling its ambition to lead India’s electric revolution.

Today, Ola operates in hundreds of cities, serving millions of rides every day. Its journey is a classic startup story—born from struggles, strengthened by innovation, and driven by a vision to change the way India moves. Ola’s story proves that sometimes, the toughest roads lead to the most remarkable destinations.

OLA Cabs : India’s app for travel, rentals, and more

A New Ride for India Safety and Trust at the Core of Every Ride