Sudden Shutdown Leaves Commuters and Drivers Stranded
BluSmart, India’s first all-electric cab service, abruptly shut down operations in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru, catching both commuters and drivers off guard. The app stopped functioning without prior notice, and drivers found themselves locked out of the system without explanation.
The shutdown follows a Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) order banning BluSmart co-founders Anmol and Puneet Singh Jaggi. SEBI accused the brothers of misusing funds from Gensol Engineering, another company they co-founded. Allegations include diverting investor money, meant for electric vehicle purchases, toward personal luxury items, including a high-end apartment.
Commuters Left Without Reliable Options
Regular users of BluSmart expressed disappointment. Jagriti Kumar, an IT professional from Gurgaon, relied on BluSmart for her daily commute to Udyog Vihar. “The rides were consistent, clean, and fairly priced. Now I’m stuck with surge pricing and frequent cancellations on other apps,” she shared.
BluSmart had built a reputation for zero-emission rides, fixed pricing, and professional service, making it a preferred option for many in congested metro areas.
Drivers and Refunds in Limbo
Thousands of drivers employed by BluSmart now face uncertainty. Unlike other ride-hailing platforms, BluSmart operated its own fleet, providing stable incomes to drivers who didn’t need to own vehicles.
The company informed customers via email that it would refund any remaining balances within 90 days if services do not resume. However, the lack of a clear timeline has raised doubts among users.
Future of Electric Mobility in Question
BluSmart had over 8,000 electric cabs and a large charging infrastructure. It claimed to complete over 10 million emission-free rides and reduce 23,000 tonnes of CO₂. Its collapse raises serious concerns about corporate governance and has cast a shadow over India’s push toward sustainable urban transport.
Source: Times of India