Namma Yatri has introduced a new retail platform called Namma Santhe, developed in collaboration with Keystones. This move marks the company's entry into the retail sector. The platform is designed to give drivers from the Namma Yatri network access to various goods available in both physical and online stores.
The company stated that Namma Santhe will operate through a physical store located at the Namma Yatri office in Bengaluru, as well as an online storefront that delivers goods to drivers' addresses across the city.
The product assortment on the platform includes mobile phones and accessories, three-wheeled vehicles, auto goods, rain covers, safety equipment, electronics, home goods, personal hygiene items, and work accessories, among others.
According to statements from Namma Yatri and Keystones, all products will come directly from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), manufacturers, authorized distributors, and verified suppliers. Before being included in the catalog, suppliers and the products themselves undergo verification for authenticity, quality, and warranty support.
Namma Yatri emphasized that it will not apply a markup on sales. Prices will be benchmarked against online and offline market prices, after which the companies will negotiate wholesale and institutional rates with suppliers. Any savings achieved will be passed on to the drivers whenever possible.
A key differentiator is the pricing model: Namma Yatri does not take a margin on sales; prices are determined by comparing them with market rates before wholesale and institutional tariffs are agreed upon with suppliers. The resulting savings are directed to the drivers wherever feasible.
Rajiv Ravindran, Head of Namma Yatri in Karnataka, noted: 'Most conversations about drivers' livelihoods revolve around how much they earn. Very little is said about what they spend their money on. Namma Santhe is our solution to this problem. We do not take a margin from it.'
Participation in the platform is voluntary; there is no minimum purchase amount, installment plan, deduction from earnings, or subscription status requirement. Furthermore, Namma Yatri assured that purchases will not affect trip allocation.
The company also clarified that Namma Santhe is part of broader driver welfare initiatives, which include the Mahila Shakti program for female drivers, access to low-interest loans, savings programs, and integration with social security systems.
Currently, Namma Yatri has over 16 million registered users, 1.3 million monthly active users, and approximately 7.71 lakh active drivers. The company's driver network has completed over 14.98 crore rides, generating an income of approximately 2,627 crore rupees for the drivers. The physical Namma Santhe store at the Namma Yatri office in Koramangala, Bengaluru, will operate from 11 AM to 7 PM. Drivers can also place orders through the Namma Yatri app.