On Sunday, a significant number of BluSmart driver-partners took to the streets in Delhi-NCR, voicing their frustrations over the unexpected shutdown of the electric ride-hailing service. This abrupt halt, which left drivers without employment or guidance on future prospects, has ignited demands for compensation and alternative job opportunities from the company.

BluSmart’s Sudden Shutdown

The closure of BluSmart came to light in mid-April 2025 when the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) intervened, preventing the company’s promoters from engaging with capital markets or maintaining board positions. This decision followed serious allegations of financial misconduct, including misappropriation of funds and document forgery tied to Gensol Engineering, a solar engineering, procurement, and construction firm linked to BluSmart.

Drivers Demand Accountability

Vijay Kumar, one of the protesting drivers, expressed the collective sentiment: “We are seeking transparency from BluSmart and insist that government bodies and regulators hold them accountable. It’s unacceptable for platform companies to function without proper oversight. Additionally, we demand the payment we are owed.”

• Key demands from the drivers include:
  • Clear communication from BluSmart regarding their future.
  • Compensation for the abrupt termination of services.
  • Government intervention to ensure worker protections.

Impact on Drivers

Prior to the shutdown, BluSmart had a robust network of over 10,000 driver-partners. However, many are now facing technical issues, as they have been unable to access the app. “Since Thursday, I haven’t been able to log in. The OTP doesn’t arrive, making it seem like we’ve been completely abandoned,” lamented another affected driver.

Financial Implications for Drivers

The financial model offered by BluSmart was crucial for many drivers, with hourly wages ranging from Rs 25 to Rs 40 and guaranteed minimum daily earnings of Rs 400. Monthly income typically varied between Rs 12,000 and Rs 50,000, with top performers receiving weekly incentives that could reach up to Rs 8,000. This structure provided a sense of security, which has now been stripped away following the company’s sudden exit from the market.

In light of these events, the community of BluSmart driver-partners is rallying together, not only to demand their rightful dues but also to push for a more regulated and accountable framework for ride-hailing services in India.