Brands
Uber shifts into a higher gear with big expansion plans for Uber Black
MUMBAI: When everyday rides start feeling a little too economy, Uber is betting that more Indians are ready to travel business class. Uber has announced an aggressive expansion of its premium offering, Uber Black, with plans to double the size of its luxury fleet across India in 2026.
Currently operating in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, Uber Black caters to riders seeking quieter cabins, higher-end cars and top-rated drivers. Positioned as the “business class of the back seat”, the service has also carved out dedicated Uber Black Zones at major airports, including Kempegowda International Airport (Terminals 1 and 2) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Terminal 2, P6), promising faster, smoother premium pick-ups.
To fuel this expansion, Uber has made a Series A investment in Carrum, a fleet management firm backed by the Cardekho Group. Carrum has been a long-time fleet partner on the Uber platform, and the investment is expected to help scale high-quality vehicle supply to meet rising premium demand.
Adding another layer of convenience, Uber has also rolled out its Reserve feature for Uber Black in Delhi. Riders can now book premium cars anywhere from two hours to 90 days in advance, making the service particularly appealing for airport transfers, business travel and special occasions where certainty matters.
Uber president for India and South Asia Prabhjeet Singh said the company is seeing strong momentum in premium mobility, driven by riders who value comfort and elevated service standards. The focus, he noted, is on consistently raising the quality bar while creating long-term value for riders, drivers and fleet partners.
Alongside premium rides, Uber highlighted the growing traction of Uber One, its membership programme offering benefits across bikes, autos and cars. With over one million members already enrolled in India, the programme reflects a broader shift towards bundled value for frequent riders.
As Uber Black gears up for its next phase, the message is clear: for a growing segment of urban India, getting there comfortably is becoming just as important as getting there quickly.
Brands
Safex Group appoints Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer
Former Standard Chartered executive to steer finance
NEW DELHI: Safex Chemicals has appointed Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer, strengthening its leadership team as the company prepares for the next phase of expansion in specialty chemicals and global agrochemicals.
In her new role, Malhotra will lead the group’s financial strategy, capital architecture and governance framework as Safex scales operations across multiple verticals including branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing.
A chartered accountant and graduate of Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, Malhotra brings more than two decades of experience in business finance, strategic planning, corporate banking and client management.
Before joining Safex, she served as executive director, financial markets at Standard Chartered, where she led teams across India and Sri Lanka and worked closely with large corporates, global subsidiaries and commercial banking clients. Her expertise includes capital structuring, treasury operations, risk management and financial markets led financing solutions.
Safex Group promoter director and joint managing director Piyush Jindal, said the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company. “Safex stands at an inflection point as we build an integrated platform across branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing. Richa’s experience across global financial institutions will strengthen our financial discipline and help unlock value across the group,” he said.
Malhotra said she was looking forward to contributing to the company’s next chapter of growth. “Safex has built a strong reputation over 35 years with its focus on integrity, innovation and agricultural insight. I am excited to be part of the organisation as it expands its footprint in India and global markets,” she said.
The appointment comes as Safex continues to strengthen its financial foundations and scale operations internationally, positioning itself for future growth milestones.
