Ishika Kumar, Pune
Bhavish Aggarwal’s AI startup ‘Krutrim’ has introduced a new pricing strategy for Ola Maps which challenges the dominance of Google Maps in India. The strategy was announced on 18th, July and came just a day post-Google revealing its plan to cut the rates for its Maps API by up to 70% for Indian developers, starting from the 1st of August 2024.
Krutrim’s new pricing policy offers Indian startups five million free API calls per month. This initiative is part of Aggarwal’s vision to create an “India-first” cost structure, significantly undercutting Google’s rates by 50 per cent for larger volumes. Developers who ally with Ola Maps for three-plus years shall enjoy two years of free access, whereas developers on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform will benefit from three years of free service.
Bhavish Aggarwal’s announcement on ‘X’ articulated that “It’s time we build world-class alternatives to big tech giants and empower Indian innovation,”. This would indeed reduce their reliance on foreign technology which is expensive, and build a strong tech system domestically. Krutrim also plans to introduce new APIs and SDKs by December. These tools are designed to cater to an array of platforms, ensuring extensive support for developers. These are:
- Map Integration
- Routes API
- Places API
- Web SDK
- Android and iOS SDKs
In addition to these tools, Ola Maps shall feature a Map Style Editor too, enabling its users to create and edit custom map designs. Developers will also have access to a plethora of resources, including tutorials, a community forum, and customer support with an automated ticket system.
Krutrim’s collaboration with ONDC is a strategic move to enhance its market dominance and penetration, enacting support for the digital transformation of Indian businesses. The MD and CEO of ONDC, T Koshy praised this initiative. The timing of Krutrim’s announcement, closely followed by Google’s rate cuts and new payment options in Indian Rupees, also depicts the competitive scenario of the market. Google’s decision to reduce prices and accept payments in INR was a long-due response to the needs of Indian developers, Aggarwal noted.
He also vented that “Indian developers deserve better than last-minute concessions,”.
Since its initial launch in May, Ola Maps has seen growing usage with over 10,000 developers signing up and opting for the app, as of the 18th of July. Aggarwal highlighted the platform’s potential to save Ola Cabs approximately Rs. 100 crores annually, following its transition from Google Maps to Ola Maps early this month.
Krutrim’s immaculate pricing strategy and extensive API offerings position Ola Maps as a formidable competitor to Google Maps. By focusing on affordability and tailored solutions for the masses of the Indian market, Ola Maps aims to empower developers, startups, and businesses, driving innovation and digital independence in India.