Pidge, a provider of logistics technology, has recently announced its partnership with the Government-run Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The collaboration aims to accelerate e-commerce growth in India, with a particular focus on hyperlocal and same-city deliveries.
By leveraging Pidge’s extensive network of over 200 regional and national partners, the initiative seeks to increase e-commerce penetration beyond the current 5% level in the country. This partnership holds significance for the e-commerce landscape in India, as it aims to promote inclusivity for sellers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Ratnesh Verma, Founder and CEO of Pidge, expressed the company’s alignment with the objectives of the ONDC Network, stating, “ONDC Network aims to ensure inclusivity for sellers, especially SMEs, among other objectives that are well-aligned with our offerings at Pidge.” Pidge’s intelligent logistics solutions optimize delivery routes and provide real-time order tracking through shared rider pools, aligning with ONDC Network’s goal of market democratization and a decentralized process.
Pidge’s AI-powered technology streamlines last-mile logistics, offering 100% end-to-end fulfilment across diverse industries, thus supporting the ONDC network’s vision of digitizing the entire e-commerce value chain. The company’s offering, Pidge Powered Network (PPN), empowers local suppliers with advanced technology, aiming to enhance tech adoption in areas with limited or no accessibility, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities.
T. Koshy, MD & CEO of ONDC, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “With Pidge onboarding onto the Open Network, the small and micro businesses across the country can leverage Pidge’s advanced logistics capabilities and extensive partner network to expand their reach into newer markets.” This partnership will enable sellers to utilize Pidge’s platform to expand their e-commerce reach through the ONDC Network, promoting a sustainable business model, enhancing reliability, accessibility, and ease of use across India’s diverse value chain.
Overall, the collaboration between Pidge and ONDC is expected to provide substantial benefits for small businesses across India. The initiative will empower small businesses by facilitating end-to-end on-network transactions, making it easier for them to reach new markets and enhance their operational efficiency.