The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department recently signed an MoU with Rapido for the implementation of a Driver-Cum-Guide Training Programme during the Partnership Summit. The MoU was signed in the presence of CM N Chandrababu Naidu, Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh, and Rapido Co-Founder Pavan Guntupalli. As a follow-up to this strategic partnership, AP Tourism has officially launched the Driver-Cum-Guide Training Programme in Vijayawada. The programme commenced on 24 February and represents a significant step towards strengthening tourist-facing services through structured capacity building.

The two-day training module provide six hours of intensive training including a storytelling course by Jignasa Artverse to each participating taxi and auto driver. The comprehensive curriculum includes destination literacy, use of Bhashini and Google translate applications, storytelling techniques for visitor engagement, tourist safety protocols, Buddhist Circuit and historical orientation, among others. 

This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to transform local drivers into informed tourism ambassadors, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Additionally, a dedicated “Tourist Guide” icon will be integrated into the Rapido app to identify certified driver-guides for tourists. The programme is being implemented under the capacity-building initiatives of Swadesh Darshan, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and is aligned with the Challenge-Based Destination Development Programme for Nagarjunsagar. The pilot phase will conclude on 6 March with a total of 280 auto and cab drivers undergoing training in Vijayawada. Following the successful completion of the Vijayawada pilot, the programme will be extended to Tirupati and Visakhapatnam.