Key Highlights:
BluSmart, the electric cab aggregator that had gained popularity for its eco-friendly rides, has paused operations in Bengaluru, compounding an already serious cab shortage at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).
The suspension, which began four days ago, follows an investigation by SEBI into the financial activities of its parent company, Gensol Engineering. With airport commuters relying heavily on app-based cabs for last-mile connectivity, the platform’s withdrawal has thrown transport availability into disarray.
Cab Crunch Hits Commuters at Kempegowda Airport
Kempegowda Airport, located over 35 kilometers from the city center, handles more than 41 million passengers annually. Travelers now say that the loss of an entire fleet of pre-scheduled electric taxis has left a vacuum that Ola and Uber are struggling to fill.
Shashank Rao, a frequent flyer from Indiranagar, said:
“Earlier, I could trust that my cab would be on time. Now, I’m stuck in long queues hoping a driver will even accept my request.”
Asha Menon, who flew to Kochi this week, added:
“I waited over 40 minutes in the cab pickup zone. With pre-booking gone, it feels like a gamble every time I land.”
Dedicated Pickup Zone Now Unused
Last year, the aggregator had established a designated pickup area at the airport, which was appreciated by travelers for minimizing wait times. That area is now inactive, with airport officials redirecting passengers to alternative stands without formal communication or signage.
Punitha K., a flyer from Jalahalli, shared:
“People still go to the same spot expecting their vehicle. There’s no notice or update — it’s all word of mouth.”
BluSmart Suspension Adds Strain on Ola and Uber
With the exit of one major player, demand has surged on other app-based services. This has led to:
- Long waits and ride refusals, especially during early mornings and late nights
- Instances of surge pricing during peak airport hours
- Inconsistent pickup times, particularly for passengers with urgent connections
According to airport insiders, the gap left behind has not been addressed by any fleet expansion, worsening passenger experience at a time when traffic is already peaking due to summer holidays.
What This Means for You
- Passengers traveling to or from KIA should plan additional time for booking cabs
- Those relying on electric taxis may need to explore alternate services like airport shuttle buses or KSTDC prepaid taxis
- Commuters are advised to check aggregator apps for real-time availability to avoid delays
How to Navigate the Shortage
- Use BMTC’s Vayu Vajra services as a fallback if app cabs are unavailable
- Reach the airport early, especially during late night or early morning flights
- Double-check your ride status and pickup point to avoid confusion
Who Will Be Affected
- Air travelers across domestic and international sectors
- Daily office-goers who use electric cabs for airport commutes
- Ride-hailing platforms, as they face increased pressure to expand fleets
- Airport staff, dealing with more inquiries and redirections
What’s Next: Transport Gap Widens Without a Replacement
The withdrawal of BluSmart from Bengaluru’s airport network has created a significant void in transport planning. Unless alternative services step in or existing operators scale up quickly, this disruption could continue well into the peak summer season, affecting both tourism and business travel.
Transportation authorities, in coordination with airport management, may need to explore fast-track licensing of new fleet operators or provide subsidies to increase availability on high-demand routes.
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