Bhavish Aggarwal, the founder of Ola and the AI startup Krutrim, has unveiled a new pricing strategy for Ola Maps. Launched on July 18, 2024, this policy is designed to compete with global tech giants like Google, aiming to boost innovation within India. The new structure offers Indian startups five million free API calls per month and sets rates for larger volumes at 50% lower than Google’s. Additionally, it provides two years of free access for users committing to three years or more and three years of free usage for startups and SMEs on the ONDC platform.
Krutrim announced the new pricing policy for Ola Maps through Aggarwal’s post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The goal is to reduce the cost of crucial mapping and location-based services for Indian startups. Aggarwal noted that Ola Maps currently supports all major APIs, with plans to expand its features to cover a broader range of APIs, SDKs, and niche use cases by December.
In a bid to capture the Indian market, Google announced a price reduction for its Google Maps platform, effective August 1. Aggarwal highlighted that Krutrim’s key differentiator is its cost structure, specifically designed for the domestic market. This pricing strategy is part of Krutrim’s larger initiative to make advanced mapping services more accessible and affordable for Indian developers and businesses.
Earlier in July, Ola Cabs made a strategic move to shift from using Google Maps to its own Ola Maps, a decision expected to save the company around ₹100 crore annually. This switch underscores Ola’s commitment to utilizing its in-house technology to drive cost efficiency and foster innovation.
Aggarwal’s announcement and the new pricing policy emphasize the company’s dedication to creating a supportive ecosystem for startups and businesses in India. By offering competitive rates and extensive free access, Krutrim aims to empower the next generation of Indian tech innovators, ensuring they have the necessary tools to compete on a global stage.