The abrupt suspension of BluSmart’s operations has impacted clean mobility ambitions and the livelihoods of over 10,000 drivers. With financial misconduct allegations against its founders coming to the fore, the company’s services were halted across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, affecting both employees and a growing base of loyal customers. While the legal system rightly pursues accountability from the promoters for alleged diversion of funds, the workforce and public assets built through this venture need not be abandoned.

This crisis offers a good opportunity for the Indian government to step in, acquire BluSmart, and integrate it into the Sahkar Taxi cooperative platform that is in the process of being rolled out. Such a move would protect livelihoods, preserve vital green urban transport assets, and further India’s mission of democratic economic empowerment through cooperative ownership.

Founded in 2019, BluSmart emerged as India’s pioneering all-electric ride-hailing platform. Operating a fleet of over 8,000 electric vehicles, the company quickly gained attention for its environmentally friendly service model, transparency in pricing (fixed fares with no surge), and a zero-cancellation policy. These customer-centric features differentiated BluSmart in a crowded and often exploitative app-based transport market.

According to the company’s last available disclosures, BluSmart had raised over Rs 500........

© Indian Express