Ride-hailing digital platform Uber has announced one of its largest expansions in India, adding 100 cities to its network and taking its presence to 225 cities across the country.
The expansion, powered initially by Uber Bike, is aimed at extending affordable and reliable app-based mobility to smaller cities while creating flexible earning opportunities for tens of thousands of local drivers.
Uber will begin operations in the new cities with its two-wheeler service, covering 18 states and one Union Territory. The expansion stretches from Jammu in the north to Tirunelveli in the south, and from Silchar in the east to Jamnagar in the west.
The company said Uber Bike will provide an affordable option for everyday travel, particularly for short-distance journeys and first- and last-mile connectivity.
Focus on smaller cities
The expansion comes as two-wheelers play an increasingly important role in India’s everyday mobility. For riders, Uber Bike offers an economical way to navigate traffic congestion, travel short distances and connect with public transport.
For drivers, the service provides a relatively low-barrier route to flexible earning opportunities, using an asset that many already own.
Marking the expansion around India’s Independence Day, Uber is also offering first-time riders across the country their first Uber ride free for a limited period. The initiative is intended to encourage more consumers to experience app-based mobility and Uber’s safety, convenience and transparency features.
Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, Nitin Gadkari said India’s expanding road network was connecting smaller cities and unlocking new economic opportunities.
He congratulated Uber on expanding to 100 more cities and said the move would bring affordable mobility to more Indians while creating livelihood opportunities.
Gadkari also urged states to adopt the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025, which provide a framework for states to embrace bike taxis and other emerging mobility solutions.
He said the guidelines could help enable affordable first- and last-mile connectivity while supporting livelihood creation at scale.
Building a multimodal platform
Uber India & South Asia Director, Consumer & Growth, Rishant Ghosh said the expansion marked an important milestone as Uber takes its services deeper into India.
“The aspiration for convenient mobility is no different in a smaller city than it is in a major metro city, and we are investing to meet that demand,” Ghosh said.
He said Uber Bike was particularly suited to smaller markets, offering affordable and convenient transportation while creating flexible earning opportunities for local drivers.
The latest expansion is also part of Uber’s broader strategy to build a multimodal mobility platform in India. The company offers consumers multiple options, including Bike, Auto, cars, airport rides and Intercity services, alongside integrations with public transport.
With the addition of 100 cities, Uber is seeking to broaden its addressable market beyond India’s major urban centres and strengthen its presence across emerging mobility markets.