RedBus expands global footprint, initiates to boost bus industry financing
ECONOMY & POLICY

RedBus expands global footprint, initiates to boost bus industry financing

RedBus, the leading online bus booking platform, is embarking on international expansion, according to CEO Prakash Sangam. Following the global trend of increased digitisation post-Covid, redBus has successfully secured its position as the top player in Malaysia, where one in four bus tickets is now booked on their platform. Sangam shared that the company is set to launch in Vietnam and Cambodia this quarter, further expanding its presence beyond its current markets in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Peru, and Colombia.

Sangam also highlighted the company's efforts to collaborate with non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in India to improve the financing landscape for bus operators. He noted that the current challenge lies in a constrained supply, leading to a 30-35% increase in prices compared to pre-Covid times. Many bus operators faced closures during the pandemic, resulting in debt issues and fleet sales. Unlike the more organised airline industry, the informal nature of the bus industry has created skepticism among financial institutions about lending to it.

RedBus sees opportunities to support the growth of bus operators by facilitating a favorable financing environment. The company is actively engaging with NBFCs and expressed willingness to collaborate with other financial institutions to address the financing needs of the industry.

Sangam reported a remarkable 30% year-over-year revenue growth, attributing it to the resurgence of travel post-Covid. The platform has witnessed an expansion of its user base, with increased participation from regions such as Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Orissa, and Bihar. Sangam emphasised that traditionally strong markets in the South, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, have contributed significantly to the growth in the past six months.

RedBus currently boasts a vast network of 425,000 unique source-destination combinations on its platform, offering around 32,000 unique private services and 25,000 state transport schedules. The CEO remains optimistic about the future, focusing on sustaining growth and fostering partnerships to support the evolving landscape of online bus booking.

RedBus, the leading online bus booking platform, is embarking on international expansion, according to CEO Prakash Sangam. Following the global trend of increased digitisation post-Covid, redBus has successfully secured its position as the top player in Malaysia, where one in four bus tickets is now booked on their platform. Sangam shared that the company is set to launch in Vietnam and Cambodia this quarter, further expanding its presence beyond its current markets in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Peru, and Colombia. Sangam also highlighted the company's efforts to collaborate with non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in India to improve the financing landscape for bus operators. He noted that the current challenge lies in a constrained supply, leading to a 30-35% increase in prices compared to pre-Covid times. Many bus operators faced closures during the pandemic, resulting in debt issues and fleet sales. Unlike the more organised airline industry, the informal nature of the bus industry has created skepticism among financial institutions about lending to it. RedBus sees opportunities to support the growth of bus operators by facilitating a favorable financing environment. The company is actively engaging with NBFCs and expressed willingness to collaborate with other financial institutions to address the financing needs of the industry. Sangam reported a remarkable 30% year-over-year revenue growth, attributing it to the resurgence of travel post-Covid. The platform has witnessed an expansion of its user base, with increased participation from regions such as Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Orissa, and Bihar. Sangam emphasised that traditionally strong markets in the South, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, have contributed significantly to the growth in the past six months. RedBus currently boasts a vast network of 425,000 unique source-destination combinations on its platform, offering around 32,000 unique private services and 25,000 state transport schedules. The CEO remains optimistic about the future, focusing on sustaining growth and fostering partnerships to support the evolving landscape of online bus booking.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Choice Consultancy Wins Rs 634.7 Million Public Sector Projects

Choice Consultancy Services Pvt Ltd, the public sector advisory arm of Choice International Ltd, has secured two major project developments totalling approximately Rs 634.7 million (inclusive of GST), further solidifying its role in public sector transformation and infrastructure planning across India.The company has received a work order worth Rs 528 million from the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), under the Government of Maharashtra. This assignment, part of the World Bank-backed MahaSTRIDE Programme, involves setting up District Strategic Units (DSUs) across the Chhatrap..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Shalibhadra Finance FY25 Profit Jumps 34% Year-on-Year

Shalibhadra Finance Limited, a leading two-wheeler financing company with a deep presence in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, has reported a 34 per cent year-on-year rise in net profit for FY25, reaching Rs 160 million. The company’s performance was supported by disciplined lending, cost efficiency, and robust asset quality.Financial Highlights – FY25:Net Profit: Rose 34 per cent year-on-year to Rs 160 million. Q4 FY25 profit also increased by 34 per cent to Rs 44 million.Net Interest Income (NII): Up 13 per cent YoY to Rs 295.8 million for the full year and 16 per cent to Rs 84.3..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Court Orders Uttarakhand PWD to Pay Rs 172 Million to MBL

The Commercial Court in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, has directed the Public Works Department (PWD), Government of Uttarakhand, to pay Rs 172.4 million to MBL Infrastructure Ltd. in accordance with an arbitration award dated 23 March 2024. The case pertains to a completed road project under Package No. 5 for the improvement and strengthening of state roads in Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts.The arbitration tribunal had issued a unanimous award in favour of MBL Infrastructure Ltd., granting a payment of Rs 172.4 million, which includes interest accrued up to the date of the award. Additional..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?