Andhra Pradesh Partners with Rapido to Launch Driver-Cum-Guide Service for Tourists

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a major tourism initiative in collaboration with Rapido, introducing a new driver-cum-guide service aimed at offering travellers a more seamless, informative, and culturally enriched experience across key destinations in the state.

A Strategic Collaboration to Boost Tourism

The initiative was unveiled on Thursday in Amaravati, marking a significant step forward in modernising tourist services and making travel more accessible. The partnership between the state government and bike-taxi aggregator Rapido was formalised earlier this month during the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam.

This unique model will leverage Rapido’s strong presence in the mobility sector and Andhra Pradesh’s growing tourism appeal to deliver a new category of transport-led guided experiences.

Specialised Training for Rapido Riders

Tourism Minister K. Durgesh announced that Rapido riders with consistently high ratings will undergo a dedicated training programme in December. The training curriculum will cover:

• The history and heritage of Andhra Pradesh
• Local culture and traditions
• Hospitality and tourist interaction skills
• Safety practices and protocols

This ensures that only well-prepared and knowledgeable riders will serve as tourist guides.

Pilot Launch in Key Tourism Cities

The driver-cum-guide service will initially be rolled out in three major cities:

• Vijayawada
• Tirupati
• Visakhapatnam

These destinations attract millions of visitors annually and are known for their spiritual, cultural, and coastal tourism experiences. The new service is designed to significantly enhance tourist mobility and provide personalised insights into local attractions.

• A Step Toward Enhanced Tourist Convenience
• With this project, Andhra Pradesh aims to:
• Improve last-mile connectivity for tourists
• Offer authentic local insights through trained guides
• Boost employment opportunities for local riders
• Strengthen the state’s tourism ecosystem

By combining Rapido’s mobility platform with structured government-led training, the initiative promises an elevated travel experience for both domestic and international visitors.