Planning a weekend getaway? While you may be aware of the route, are you aware of all the perfect pitstops that will make your journey delightful?
Enter highway delite, a travel app that offers a host of verified information that any traveller might require. From restaurants to hospitals, and washrooms to tourist spots, the app has categorised information into 12 categories that is presented to the user in the form of verified and unverified information.
Launched in November 2015, the app has been under development since May 2015, when Rajesh G, the founder of highway delite incorporated his startup. At present, it covers 5,000 kilometres of National and State highways, covering 12 routes around Bengaluru, alongside Hyderabad-Vijayawada, Delhi-Agra and Indore-Ujjain.
“When we first launched the app, it was straight forward. Over time, we have added many filters that make it easier to identify outlets with certain specific features,” said Rajesh, adding, “While the map may just indicate the presence of a restaurant, we enable users to identify if it offers mineral water or if it has a play area and so on. In the case of a lodge, we enable them to identify if it has AC rooms or a lounging area, among other things. Such details simplify a traveller’s journey, making it far more enjoyable.”
While it aims at making journeys enjoyable, indicators of safety is one of the key provisions of the app. In plotting 125 of the 256 listed accident zones that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has identified, the app has taken pole position as a travel app.
As it furthers its endeavour, the company plans to include more user-friendly features including a filter that separates premium outlets from regular ones. Enlisting the company’s future plans, Rajesh said, “Up until now, our focus was on coverage and verifying outlets. Now that we have achieved decent coverage, we will focus on customer acquisition.”
The company has tied up with several city-based automobile startups including Wicked Ride, Royal Brothers and Zoomcar to expand its user network and reach travel enthusiasts.
Incubated at the NS Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (NSRCEL) at IIM Bangalore, the company plans to raise its first round of funding in the next two months.
“With funding in the pipeline, we plan a total coverage 75,000 kilometres in the next year. We have already begun with expansion plans in the Delhi-NCR region. The idea is to cover metros and weekend destinations around them. The golden quadrilateral is another important route,” he said.
While it serves as a repository of information, the company plans to add a payment gateway and other features for interaction between customers and businesses, within the year.
