Uber App Adds Intercity Bus Booking with AbhiBus’s 6 Lakh+ Routes

From Left to Right: Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus; Lenin Koduru, CEO, AbhiBus; Praveen Neppalli Naga, Chief Technology Officer, Uber; Manikandan Thangarathnam, Senior Director (Mobility & Platforms), Uber India

AbhiBus (ixigo’s bus business), one of India’s leading online bus ticketing platforms, has partnered with Uber to power intercity bus ticket bookings within the Uber app.

Uber users across India can now book intercity bus tickets directly within the app, leveraging AbhiBus’s robust inventory and booking technology. Through this partnership, users gain access to AbhiBus’s extensive network of over 6 lakh routes operated by over 6,200 bus operators nationwide.

To book, users can navigate to the Home or Services section on the Uber app and select the “Intercity” option. After entering their origin, destination and travel date, they can browse available bus services, choose preferred seats and complete their booking smoothly within the app using integrated payment options.

Powered by AbhiBus’s end-to-end booking technology and deep operator integrations, Uber users can discover and compare bus options, check real-time seat availability and select preferred seats directly within the app. They can also filter by bus types such as AC, Sleeper, Seater, Volvo and Scania, view 360° bus photos on select routes, track live bus status, opt for Abhi Assured with defined compensation benefits in case of service disruptions, and access 24×7 customer support. The partnership expands Uber’s mobility ecosystem beyond intra-city rides by integrating bus travel into a single app, enabling users to plan both short-distance and intercity journeys seamlessly.

Speaking on this, Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus, said, "This partnership with Uber represents a significant milestone for intercity travel in India. By integrating AbhiBus's deep operator network and booking technology into the Uber app, we are bringing over 6 lakh routes directly to millions of users - making bus travel discovery as seamless as booking a cab. With Uber's reach and AbhiBus's deep expertise in powering seamless bus travel experiences, we are setting a new benchmark for how India books its intercity journeys."

Praveen Neppalli Naga, Chief Technology Officer, Uber, added, “We are excited to partner with AbhiBus and bring intercity bus travel into the Uber app. At Uber, our mission is to make movement seamless for everyone and integrating AbhiBus's extensive bus network directly into our platform is a natural extension of that vision. AbhiBus brings unmatched depth in bus inventory and operator integrations, and together we are unlocking a new dimension of mobility for millions of Indians.”

With this partnership, AbhiBus further strengthens its footprint in powering intercity bus travel across diverse platforms, making seamless and reliable bus booking more accessible to millions of travellers.

About AbhiBus

AbhiBus is a leading online bus-ticketing platform that aggregates ticket inventory from over 6,200 bus operators - including major State Road Transport Corporations (SRTCs), covering more than 6.5 lakh (650,000+) routes across India. The AbhiBus website and apps allow users to check amenities provided by bus operators, compare booking fares, check bus timings in the searched route, live tracking of the bus before arrival, cancellation protection options and other facilities. It is the official ticketing partner for several state road transport corporation bus tickets and IRCTC bus bookings.

AbhiBus is owned and operated by ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Limited), India’s leading OTA for the Next Billion Users. With over 54 crore Annual Active Users in FY25, ixigo offers AI-powered train, flight, bus, and hotel bookings through its platforms - ixigo, ConfirmTkt, and AbhiBus.

India’s Supreme Court AI Initiative

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has unveiled a reconstituted Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee, marking a transformative step in modernizing India’s justice system. The initiative aims to harness AI for faster, more affordable, and transparent justice delivery, while addressing the country’s massive case backlog.

Key Highlights

• Announcement Date: March 7, 2026
• Objective: Integrate AI into judicial processes for speedy, affordable, and true justice
• Focus Areas: Case backlog reduction, institutionalizing AI across courts, and enhancing transparency

Committee Composition

• Chairperson: Justice P. S. Narasimha
• Members:
  • Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva (Chief Justice, Madhya Pradesh High Court)
  • Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. (Kerala High Court)
  • Justice Anoop Chitkara (Punjab & Haryana High Court)
  • Justice Suraj Govindaraj (Karnataka High Court)

Strategic Goals

• Case Backlog Reduction: AI tools to analyze delays and propose solutions
• Judicial Research Centre: Revamped to support AI integration and legal data analytics
• Constructive AI Use: Emphasis on positive applications, ensuring human oversight in judgments

Specific AI Applications

• Predictive Case Scheduling: AI will analyze case complexity and timelines to recommend optimal scheduling, reducing adjournments and expediting hearings
• Legal Research Automation: AI-driven systems can scan precedents and statutes instantly, assisting judges and lawyers with contextual case law
• E-Filing & Document Management: Intelligent filing systems will auto-check petitions, categorize cases, and streamline workflows for efficiency
• Case Backlog Analytics: Dashboards powered by AI will identify systemic causes of delays, enabling targeted reforms
• Language Translation & Accessibility: Judgments and proceedings will be translated into regional languages in real time, democratizing access to justice
• Transparency Tools: Litigants will be able to track case progress digitally, with AI-generated summaries simplifying complex judgments

Why This Matters

Challenge in Judiciary	AI Committee’s Response
Massive case backlog	AI-driven prioritization & analytics
Slow justice delivery	Predictive scheduling & automation
Accessibility issues	Real-time translation & e-filing
Transparency concerns	Case tracking & judgment summaries

Risks & Considerations

• Bias in AI models: Ensuring fairness across diverse cases
• Data privacy: Protecting sensitive judicial records
• Human oversight: AI will assist, not replace, judicial decision-making
• Implementation challenges: Training judges and staff for adoption

Takeaway

India’s Supreme Court AI initiative represents a historic leap in judicial modernization, blending technology with tradition. If implemented effectively, it could significantly reduce delays, improve transparency, and make justice more accessible to millions of citizens.

UP Roadways (UPSRTC) Deploys AI Across 115 Bus Depots

Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) will deploy an AI-enabled Integrated Depot Management System (IDMS) across 115 depots over the next two years, aiming to improve passenger safety, operational transparency, and efficiency. The project is backed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways with funding of over ₹30 crore.

Key Highlights of the AI Deployment

• Scope: Implementation across 115 depots of UPSRTC.
• Fleet Size Impacted: Over 14,000 buses.
• Funding: More than ₹30 crore sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• Timeline: Rollout planned over two years.
• System Name: Integrated Depot Management System (IDMS) under the Centre’s Intelligent Transport System (ITS) scheme.

Features of the AI System

• Passenger Safety: AI will monitor fleet operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Transparency: Digitization of depot operations will reduce manual errors and improve accountability.
• Efficiency Gains:
  • Fleet Operations: Real-time tracking and scheduling.
  • Fuel Management: Automated monitoring to prevent leakages and misuse.
• Depot Modernization: Streamlined workflows, reduced paperwork, and faster decision-making.

Why This Matters

Aspect	Current Challenges	AI System Benefits
Passenger Safety	Manual checks, inconsistent records	Automated monitoring, predictive alerts
Transparency	Risk of human error, manipulation	Digital logs, audit trails
Fuel Management	Leakages, inefficiency	Real-time tracking, reduced wastage
Operations	Paper-based, slow processes	Digitized, faster, more reliable

Risks & Considerations

• Implementation Complexity: Rolling out across 115 depots requires strong coordination and training.
• Data Security: AI systems must safeguard sensitive passenger and operational data.
• Adoption Resistance: Depot staff may need extensive training to adapt to digitized workflows.
• Maintenance Costs: Long-term upkeep of AI systems could add financial pressure.

Broader Context

• This initiative aligns with India’s push for smart transport infrastructure under the ITS scheme.
• Similar AI-driven systems are being piloted in metro rail and private fleet management, indicating a nationwide trend toward digitized mobility solutions.

UPSRTC’s AI rollout across 115 depots is ambitious, but when compared to Delhi and Singapore, it’s clear Uttar Pradesh is catching up rather than leading. Delhi is already experimenting with AI-driven bus scheduling, while Singapore has gone further with predictive maintenance and even autonomous bus pilots.

Comparative Overview

Region/Operator	AI Focus Area	Scale & Impact	Key Benefits
Uttar Pradesh (UPSRTC)	Integrated Depot Management System (IDMS)	115 depots, 14,000 buses	Passenger safety, transparency, fuel management, digitized depot ops
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC)	Automated Bus Scheduling & Route Management	Pilots underway, real-time demand-based scheduling	Reduced overcrowding, shorter wait times, optimized routes
Singapore (SBS Transit)	Predictive Maintenance + Autonomous Bus Pilots	Covers 62% of fleet, 1,000 buses already fitted	20% drop in breakdowns, improved safety, autonomous bus trials

Insights from the Comparison

• UPSRTC (India – Uttar Pradesh): Focused on digitizing depot operations—a foundational step. It addresses transparency and safety but is more about modernization than cutting-edge AI.
• Delhi (India – DTC): Already leveraging real-time passenger demand and traffic data to dynamically adjust bus schedules. This is more advanced than UPSRTC’s depot digitization, as it directly impacts passenger experience.
• Singapore (SBS Transit): Far ahead, using AI-powered predictive maintenance to reduce breakdowns and piloting autonomous buses. This represents a leap from operational efficiency to futuristic mobility.

Risks & Trade-offs

• UPSRTC: Needs strong training and adoption among depot staff; risk of implementation delays.
• DTC: Real-time scheduling requires reliable data streams; risk of system failure during peak hours.
• Singapore: High upfront costs and regulatory hurdles for autonomous buses; public acceptance is still evolving.

Global Positioning

• India (UPSRTC & DTC): Still in the digitization and optimization phase, focusing on transparency and efficiency.
• Singapore: Already in the predictive and autonomous phase, setting benchmarks for global transport innovation.

In short, UPSRTC’s AI deployment is a modernization push, Delhi is experimenting with passenger-centric AI scheduling, and Singapore is pioneering predictive and autonomous transport systems.

Tata Elxsi Unveils DevStudio.ai: ASPICE-Aligned GenAI Platform for Automotive SDLC

Tata Elxsi has just launched DevStudio.ai, a multi-agent, ASPICE-aligned generative AI platform designed to accelerate the automotive software development lifecycle (SDLC). It offers OEMs, suppliers, and semiconductor firms a flexible solution that can run on both cloud and air-gapped on-premise environments, ensuring compliance, speed, and security.

Key Highlights of DevStudio.ai

• Launch Date: March 5–7, 2026 (announced in Bengaluru, India).
• Purpose: Accelerates automotive SDLC for OEMs, system suppliers, and semiconductor companies.
• ASPICE Alignment: Ensures compliance with industry-standard Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) process maturity framework.
• Multi-Agent Architecture: Functions as an AI co-engineer, supporting multiple large language models (LLMs) across workflows.
• Deployment Flexibility: Operates on cloud-based infrastructure or air-gapped on-premise systems, aligning with enterprise security policies.
• Domains Covered: Body, chassis, infotainment, and software-defined vehicle (SDV) architectures.

Benefits for Automotive Industry

• Speed-to-Market Gains: Early deployments show measurable improvements in productivity and faster release cycles.
• Collaboration: Engineers can work alongside AI agents to streamline design, testing, and compliance tasks.
• Quality Assurance: Designed to deliver automotive-grade software quality at scale.
• Safety & Compliance: Integrates generative AI while meeting safety-critical standards.

Comparison: Traditional vs. DevStudio.ai Approach

Feature	Traditional Automotive SDLC	DevStudio.ai
Compliance	Manual ASPICE alignment	Automated ASPICE-aligned workflows
Speed	Months to years for iterations	Accelerated cycles with AI co-engineers
Deployment	Mostly on-premise	Cloud + air-gapped flexibility
Collaboration	Human-only engineering teams	Multi-agent AI + human collaboration
Domains	Limited modular focus	Broad coverage (body, chassis, infotainment, SDV)

Risks & Considerations

• Integration Challenges: Enterprises must adapt workflows to incorporate multi-agent AI systems.
• Data Security: While air-gapped deployment mitigates risks, cloud-based use requires strict governance.
• Skill Gap: Automotive engineers may need training to fully leverage AI-driven workflows.
• Regulatory Oversight: ASPICE alignment helps, but evolving AI safety regulations could add compliance layers.

Strategic Context

Tata Elxsi’s move positions it at the intersection of automotive engineering and generative AI, competing with global players investing in software-defined vehicles (SDVs). For India’s automotive ecosystem, this launch strengthens local innovation capacity while aligning with global compliance standards.

Rise of Women Crypto Investors in India

India’s crypto landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, with women emerging as one of the fastest-growing investor segments. Recent reports from CoinDCX and CoinSwitch, released ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, highlight a surge in female participation that signals both financial inclusion and a structural shift in digital asset adoption.

The Numbers Tell the Story

• 116.8% Growth: CoinDCX reported that women investors on its platform grew by 116.8% year-on-year.
• 15% User Base: Women now account for 15% of India’s crypto investors.
• Diversification: On average, women hold four different digital assets, balancing Bitcoin with Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, Cardano, and XRP.
• Future Intent: CoinSwitch’s nationwide survey found that 85% of women plan to invest in crypto soon, with 62% “very likely” to do so within the next 6–12 months.

Regional & Demographic Shifts

• Beyond Metros: Growth is strong not only in urban hubs but also in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
• Mobile-First Access: Women are increasingly using smartphone trading apps to enter the market.
• Long-Term Focus: Female investors lean toward research-driven, diversified portfolios.

Exchange-Level Insights

Exchange	Female Participation	Key Features Driving Adoption
CoinDCX	~18% of active traders	SIPs in crypto, DCX Learn education hub
CoinSwitch	120% rise in female sign-ups	Simplified INR-based trading, strong Tier-2/3 adoption
WazirX	~15% of user base	P2P trading, stablecoin use, women-led webinars

What’s Driving the Rise

• Education-first approach: Tutorials, webinars, and simplified dashboards build confidence.
• Security & Trust: Strong compliance and authentication features attract cautious investors.
• Diversification Tools: SIPs, auto-invest options, and curated portfolios appeal to women seeking stability.
• Community Building: Women-led initiatives and peer groups foster inclusivity.

Risks & Considerations

• Regulatory Uncertainty: India’s evolving crypto regulations mean investors must stay alert to taxation and compliance.
• Volatility: Diversification helps, but crypto remains a high-risk asset class.
• Fraud & Scams: Rising participation makes vigilance against Ponzi schemes and phishing essential.

The Bigger Picture

The rise of women crypto investors in India is more than a demographic trend—it’s a structural shift in financial participation. With 15% of the user base now female and a strong pipeline of new entrants, 2026 could mark a turning point in gender representation in India’s digital asset ecosystem.

Exchanges are expected to compete aggressively by tailoring products for women investors, focusing on financial literacy, risk management, and community support. This momentum not only strengthens India’s crypto market but also advances the broader narrative of financial empowerment and inclusion.