UDrive Ushers in Self-Drive Car Rental Service in Sylhet

Luxury cars like Mercedes, Allion, and Corolla are now available on an app-based self-drive platform in Sylhet, though users must drive the vehicles themselves. The new ride-sharing service, ‘UDrive’, officially launched on Wednesday, July 23, following a six-month pilot run.

The inauguration took place at the Grand Sylhet Hotel and Resort in a grand ceremony. The venture has been launched by four entrepreneurs: Iftekhar Irad, Afzal Hossain Chowdhury, Enamul Hasan Khan, and Shibbir Ahmed. Shibbir, a UK expatriate, was not present at the event.

During the launch, co-founder Afzal Hossain Chowdhury shared the story behind UDrive’s inception. Fellow co-founder Enamul Hasan explained the rental process, while Iftekhar Irad outlined future plans.

The entrepreneurs stated that anyone with a valid driving license and necessary documentation can register and complete the verification process to rent a self-drive car. Currently, UDrive has a fleet of 16 vehicles, with rental rates starting at BDT 2,500 per day.

They reported that since January this year, UDrive has successfully completed 500 trips and served 70 regular customers who have expressed satisfaction with the service. Their vision is to complete 10,000 trips and expand the fleet to 100 vehicles by the end of the year. They also revealed plans to expand operations to Dhaka and Chattogram.

“This is a platform where users can rent a car without a driver,” said Enamul Hasan. “Once fully operational, UDrive will enhance mobility for both locals and tourists. It will play a key role in boosting Sylhet’s tourism and economy, and car enthusiasts will be able to explore the natural beauty of Sylhet on their own terms.”

The launch event was attended by local journalists as well as leaders from the travel and tourism industry. A Q&A session was held, allowing attendees to interact with the founders.

Following the ceremony, an exhibition and test drive session of UDrive’s vehicle fleet took place at the Grand Sylhet’s green parking ground.

Hassan Sayim, an admin at Next Traveller, said, “People in Sylhet are passionate about travel. We also work with tourists from outside the city and know that there is demand for self-drive car rentals here. I believe UDrive will play a significant role in boosting tourism in Sylhet.”