ONDC, India's Open E-Commerce Network, Starts Beta Testing In Bengaluru

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has opened its network to consumers in 16 pin codes spread across Bengaluru.

ONDC, an open e-commerce network, is an initiative of the Commerce Ministry's Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

ONDC is a UPI-type protocol to promote an open platform for all aspects of the exchange of goods and services through electronic networks.

The network started its alpha test phase with a closed user group of buyers first in Bengaluru in April 2022, expanding to more than 80 cities by September 2022.

Now in beta testing phase, general public can experience shopping via ONDC and provide early feedback for necessary action if any before expanding further.

To begin with the expansion of the ONDC network in Bengaluru, consumers can place their orders in two domains – groceries and restaurants through buyer apps participating on the ONDC network.

ONDC’s beta test in the city of Bengaluru is a major first step in operationalising a network approach to e-commerce as an alternative to platform centric approach.

More than 200 grocery stores and restaurants in the city have been onboarded for this phase of the trial.

The Bengaluru trials will begin with Paytm, MyStore and Spice Money as buyer-side apps – platforms where users can sign up and place orders via the network.

The consumers can buy grocery products or order food from the stores and restaurants enabled by seller apps including Bizom, Digiit, e-Samudaay, eVitalrx, Go Frugal, Growth Falcons, Innobits Mystore, nStore, SellerApp, Ushop and Uengage.

The logistics services will be provided by Dunzo, Loadshare and Shiprocket.

HDFC Bank, IDFC Bank, Kotak Bank and eKart are in advanced stages of engagement and expected to go live shortly on the network.