Ride-hailing platform BluSmart, has abruptly halted new bookings in key parts of Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, triggering fresh concerns over the company’s future. While the app is still available on the Play Store, users are unable to book rides or select dates and time slots, effectively suspending its core operations in many areas.
This development follows closely on the heels of damning findings from Sebi’s probe into Gensol Engineering, a key partner and EV lessor to BluSmart, which allegedly diverted over Rs 200 crore meant for vehicle purchases.
Once touted as a cleaner, more reliable alternative to Ola and Uber, BluSmart now appears to be on the brink of a major operational pivot. Reports suggest the company is preparing to wind down its cab-hailing business entirely and transition to becoming a fleet partner for Uber. Shareholders have already approved the plan, which will see the migration of BluSmart’s electric fleet to Uber’s platform in phases, beginning with 700–800 vehicles. The exact timeline is still being finalised.
Fe spoke to multiple BluSmart drivers who said they were being asked to operate cars with worn tyres, no spare wheels, and poor maintenance support. Some vehicles have even been abandoned at parking hubs, with drivers refusing to operate them due to safety concerns. At one such hub, at least eight idle BluSmart cars were found parked.
Meanwhile, the app usage has nosedived and according to industry insiders estimate, daily rides have dropped 60% from last year’s peak of 30,000.
