Uber forays into B2B logistics; launches metro ticketing in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): Uber on Wednesday announced its entry into the B2B logistics space with the launch of Uber Direct, powered by the ONDC.
The company has also rolled out metro ticketing on the Uber app for Bengaluru commuters through Open Network for Digital Commerce, effective December 10.
According to the company, unlike Uber Courier—which is booked directly by customers through the Uber app—Uber Direct functions behind the scenes as a logistics engine for businesses.
Orders are placed by users on a seller’s app or website, and deliveries are fulfilled by Uber Direct without any customer interaction with Uber until the delivery partner arrives.
"This makes Uber Direct, powered by ONDC, a standardised, plug-and-play solution for enterprises that need reliable, flexible and scalable delivery support," the company said.
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Uber said the service went live here earlier in the day, on ONDC’s open digital rails, with drivers fulfilling grocery deliveries for brands such as Zepto and KPN Farm Fresh.
"Uber Direct will be expanded to food delivery within a couple of weeks, fulfilling orders for global brands such as KFC, Burger King and Taco Bell, as well as Indian brands like Rebel Foods," it added.
Speaking at the launch, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said Bengaluru—"a playground for innovation"—is a natural choice for deepening Uber’s integration with ONDC.
"The launch of Metro ticketing and Uber Direct in Bengaluru helps us bring alive our vision to help people ‘Go anywhere, Get anything’, and we are excited to build that at scale with ONDC," he said.
With this launch, after Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, Uber users in Bengaluru can purchase QR-based metro tickets and access real-time information for the Bangalore Metro (BMRCL) within the Uber app, using UPI as the exclusive payment method, the company added.
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“Goli maro…” slogan raised as ABVP-linked group disrupts play at University of Hyderabad
Hyderabad: A group allegedly linked to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) disrupted a theatre performance at the University of Hyderabad on Sunday evening. The group is also accused of vandalising property and assaulting students.
Slogans such as “Desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maro…” were raised during the incident, according to eyewitnesses.
According to the Observer Post, the disruption happened as Mahesh Elkunchwar's play Holi was being staged at the Department of Theatre Arts' GB Hall. The group reportedly objected to certain portions of the play, claiming that some phrases hurt religious sentiments.
According to accounts from those present, the situation escalated when individuals forced their way into the venue after damaging fixtures and breaking glass panels outside the auditorium. Students attempting to intervene were reportedly assaulted, and a guest faculty member was allegedly threatened.
Several students sustained injuries and were provided initial treatment at the campus health centre before being shifted to a nearby hospital.
Police later arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control, and escorted those inside the hall to safety. Witnesses said tensions remained high, with some members of the group continuing to raise slogans during the evacuation.
