NextDrive India: Reimagining Outstation Travel from Campus Roots to National Reach

When Aman Kumar was a third-year college student, planning an industrial visit for his peers turned into a crash course in India's chaotic outstation travel ecosystem. Delayed departures, unverified fleets, and unreliable local agents exposed a glaring gap—one that sparked a vision: to build a tech-powered, trustworthy travel solution for students, families, and corporates alike. That vision became NextDrive India.

From Student Frustration to Startup Innovation

Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Chandigarh, NextDrive India began as a student-led solution to a real-world mobility issue. Aman Kumar, now Founder and CEO, saw firsthand how educational tours and group travel were plagued by logistical inefficiencies and safety concerns. His personal experience catalysed a shift from project to platform.

NextDrive India focuses squarely on organising outstation cab services—a largely neglected segment dominated by offline agents and inconsistent service. Where urban mobility apps thrived in metros, intercity travel, especially in smaller cities, remained an untapped opportunity.

A Tech-Enabled Model for Intercity Travel

NextDrive India's platform is built to streamline long-distance road travel with:

• Verified, well-maintained fleet partnerships
• Transparent, dynamic pricing
• Real-time booking coordination
• Customizable itineraries for institutions and individuals

Unlike urban-focused aggregators, NextDrive specialises in tailored packages for B2B clients such as educational institutions and corporates, as well as B2C offerings for family travel and group holidays. It now manages a network of over 650 vehicles and has completed thousands of successful trips across North and Central India.

Team Behind the Drive Aman Kumar leads the company as Founder and CEO, steering the overall vision, strategic partnerships, and growth roadmap. He is supported by co-founders Deepak Kumar, who serves as Regional Director and shapes core offerings and expansion strategy, and Avinash Kumar, who heads Business Operations and ensures seamless execution across all locations.

Building with Support, Scaling with Vision

The startup’s rise has been buoyed by significant institutional support, including incubation at STPI Mohali and IIT Patna, recognition under Startup India and ISO certification, and backing from the Department of Industries, Government of Bihar.

This ecosystem provided mentorship, infrastructure, and early credibility. Strategic guidance from incubation centres and participation in industry showcases helped NextDrive transition from a campus concept to a scalable venture.

A Differentiated Offering in a Crowded Market

India’s outstation travel market—worth billions and growing at 15–20% CAGR—remains disorganised. Key pain points include last-minute cancellations, lack of fleet standards, and limited transparency. NextDrive addresses these with a platform-first approach that prioritises:

• B2B repeat clients with institutional-level service needs
• Tech integration for route optimisation and customer support
• Quality assurance via verified vendors and ISO compliance

Its competitors, including players like WTI Cabs and Cab Bazar, lack the specialised focus on B2B and the full-stack tech operations that NextDrive brings.

Social Impact and Regional Upliftment

Beyond revenue, NextDrive India is making a significant social impact by boosting employment in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, promoting safer travel through verified operators, and reducing emissions through optimised routes. Its regional focus not only enhances safety and reliability but also supports economic decentralisation, bringing organised travel services to previously overlooked geographies.

Revenue, Reach, and Roadmap

NextDrive India operates on a commission-based model, earning from successful bookings while offering custom packages for bulk clients. Its value-added services—insurance, amenities, priority booking—enhance margins.

Short-term plans include expanding the fleet to over 1,000 vehicles and doubling B2B clients. In the long term, the company aims to enter East and South India, introduce holiday packages, and integrate rail and air travel into its service suite. Product innovation includes school tours, corporate retreats, and AI-based route optimisation.

From Passion to Platform

Aman Kumar’s advice to future founders is rooted in experience: Start with a real problem you understand intimately. Build trust through consistency. Be adaptable. And use institutional support to accelerate growth.

NextDrive India’s journey from a college logistics dilemma to a nationally recognised startup is a testament to solving local problems at scale, with purpose, technology, and relentless focus on customer trust.