Brands
Astranova and Zingbus power up electric bus push on key route
MUMBAI: Astranova Mobility has shifted its expansion plans into a higher gear, joining hands with Zingbus to roll out fully electric intercity buses on the busy Delhi to Dehradun route. The first batch is already on the road, giving travellers a quieter, cleaner journey while helping operators cut costs from day one.
Zingbus says passenger response on its electric routes has been strong, thanks to smoother rides, high uptime and lower per-kilometre costs than diesel. The company is now preparing for a larger electric leap as it works towards a 1,000-bus green fleet over the coming years.
For Astranova, the partnership marks a major milestone. The company becomes the only Indian EV financing platform offering end-to-end leasing solutions across everything from scooters and cars to chargers, trucks and now buses. Over the next year, it plans to deploy EV buses worth more than Rs 200 crore through operators such as Zingbus on selected high-traffic routes.
Astranova Mobility founder and CEO Kunal Mundra, said the move tackles one of India’s biggest transport challenges. “Intercity buses contribute a disproportionate share of emissions. Electrifying even a slice of these seats creates outsized climate gains. We have invested in the right engineering and data systems to support operators at scale, and we are delighted to expand this model with Zingbus across India.”
Zingbus CEO and co-founder Prashant Kumar said Astranova’s leasing model helps speed up the shift. “Our electric corridors already cost less per kilometre than diesel, and passengers are choosing the smoother, cleaner ride. This partnership strengthens our long-term, profitable EV strategy built on technology-driven mobility.”
The collaboration aims to break the three biggest hurdles for operators considering electric fleets: steep upfront costs, range and charging concerns, and worries around asset value. Astranova’s long-tenure leasing, OEM partnerships and buy-back and refurbishment programmes combine to make the switch far easier.
As India edges closer to its net-zero goals, large commercial vehicles remain a crucial frontier for electrification. The Delhi–Dehradun deployment signals a broader shift as intercity operators begin looking seriously at electric solutions for busy, high-frequency routes.
Brands
Devyani International names Sandeep Anand, Robinder Singh in key roles
Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee businesses see leadership refresh from April
MUMBAI: Devyani International has strengthened its senior leadership bench with a fresh set of appointments across its key brands, Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee, signalling a sharper focus on growth and brand momentum.
The company has appointed Sandeep Anand as chief marketing officer and business head for Pizza Hut. His appointment, approved by the board via a circular resolution on April 3, follows a recommendation by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, as reported by CNBC-TV18. Anand will officially step into the role on April 6, 2026.
He takes over from Vijay Gogate, who currently serves as chief executive officer for Pizza Hut within the company’s operations. The move marks a strategic transition as the brand looks to sharpen its marketing and business playbook in a competitive quick service restaurant market.
Anand brings over two decades of experience across the food and FMCG sectors, with a strong track record in brand building and innovation. His career spans roles at major consumer-facing companies including Domino’s, Zydus Wellness, Zomato, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Reckitt and Ranbaxy, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both scale and agility.
Alongside this, Robinder Singh has been appointed business head for Costa Coffee and the company’s airport operations. He too will assume his new role on April 6, bringing more than 18 years of experience in operations, business expansion and customer experience transformation.
The twin appointments come at a time when Devyani International is doubling down on leadership depth to steer its portfolio through evolving consumer preferences and heightened competition. With fresh faces at the helm of two key verticals, the company appears set to brew up its next phase of growth with renewed energy.
