Ola signs MoU with Rajasthan to train 50,000 people in state

Ride-hailing startup looks to expand its base of drivers on its platform

Ride-hailing startup Ola has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rajasthan government to train 50,000 men and women over the next five years, as it looks to expand its base of drivers on its platform.

"We welcome Ola's commitment to skill development and nurturing entrepreneurship amongst the youth of the state. This initiative will help further expand the ecosystem and make more choice of mobility to the citizens at large," said Vasundhara Raje, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, in a statement.

The skill development program will target women and youth in particular to enable them to take to entrepreneurship through Ola's platform. The company will also back up its commitment by introducing Ola Auto and Ola Share services in the state, helping create employment.

"Through this partnership we aim to create more than 50,000 employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the state by investing substantially in skill development of youth and women in particular," said Pranay Jivrajka, Chief Operating Officer at Ola.

Ola, which claims to be the largest cab aggregator in the country, has 3.25 lakh drivers on its platform and is adding close to 1,500 cabs a day on its platform. The company has also begun leasing cars to drivers through its fully owned subsidiary with the aim of adding 1 lakh vehicles on its platform by end of 2016.