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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Wizzride Technologies: Redefining Mobility and Tourism in Northeast India with Innovation and Heart
PNN New Delhi [India], August 9: In the heart of Northeast India's stunning landscapes and vibrant communities, Wizzride Technologies Private Limited has emerged as a transformative force in regional travel and tourism. Founded in 2017, Wizzride was born from the simple yet ambitious goal of simplifying and enhancing intercity mobility. Today, through a blend of modern technology and heartfelt service, Wizzride connects thousands of travelers across the diverse terrain of Northeast India. From its intuitive Wizzride Booking App and innovative OpenBid platform to Smart Fleet Management and specially designed global tours for seniors, Wizzride stands proudly on a foundation of more than 3,000 positive Google reviews and a stellar 4.8/5 rating. The Wizzride Booking App: Making Shared Mobility Effortless At the center of Wizzride's transformation is its user-friendly Booking App for shared rides--a trusted, affordable travel companion for locals and tourists. Navigating the region's winding roads and hilly topography can be daunting, but Wizzride's app makes booking shared rides from key airports like Bagdogra and Guwahati to destinations such as Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Shillong simple and stress-free. Intercity routes like Siliguri to Rangpo or Kurseong are now just a few taps away. What started as an unforeseen gap in the market--non-availability of low-cost taxis to and from Bagdogra Airport--has now blossomed into a much-in-demand necessity: affordable but luxurious shared rides in Toyota Innovas with fixed schedule departures, almost like an airplane. Consistent quality of service over the years with a devoted team of 15+ staff ensures each trip is smooth, safe, hygienic, and comfortable. Travelers enjoy round-the-clock customer care and real-time ride tracking. This attention to user needs has resulted in widespread praise and trust, as reflected in Wizzride's exceptional online ratings from more than 100,000 satisfied riders. Excellence in customer experience is powered by Wizzride's proprietary Smart Fleet Management Solutions. This advanced in-house platform manages every aspect of fleet operation--keeping vehicles well-maintained, routes optimized, and schedules dependable, even when weather and road conditions are unpredictable. Predictive analytics further streamline maintenance and logistics, minimizing downtime and delays and ensuring travelers stay on schedule. These technologies also enhance Wizzride's environmental commitment. Smart Fleet Management limits unnecessary fuel use and emissions, crucial for preserving the fragile Himalayan environment. The company's #ReduceCO2 campaign and promotion of shared rides further reduce its carbon footprint, reflecting Wizzride's view that caring for the planet is as vital as serving passengers. OpenBid: Empowering Riders and Drivers Wizzride's commitment to continuous innovation is reflected in its unique OpenBid platform, which reshapes how fares are determined in the local mobility landscape. Moving away from rigid pricing models, OpenBid gives freedom to both passengers and vehicle service providers to bid and decide their own fares for reserved rides. AI-driven systems match rider enquiries with driver bids, empowering both sides and offering unmatched flexibility and vehicle occupancy. Riders get online access to a vast pool of vehicles at reasonable and transparent prices. Drivers--after rigorous credential verification during onboarding--can accept, negotiate, or counteroffer, ensuring competitive and fair transactions as well as increased vehicle occupancy. "OpenBid isn't just technology--it's empowerment for both riders and drivers," says Co-Founder Lehsang Bhutia. By inviting users into the fare-setting process, Wizzride fosters trust and builds a more collaborative marketplace. Integrated Travel: From Road to Sky Wizzride extends its promise of convenience to the skies by integrating flight bookings onto its platform. Customers can now arrange a shared cab to Gangtok or Shillong and book a connecting flight in a single app, eliminating the hassle of switching providers. This end-to-end approach to travel--rare in the Northeast--offers seamless, door-to-check-in service for busy and elderly travellers alike. Global Terrain Vacations: Journeys with Heart for Seniors. Inclusivity is at Wizzride's core, especially through its international tourism arm, Global Terrain Vacations. With an aim of specializing in curated, accessible international outbound trips for senior citizens from Northeast India, this initiative brings a compassionate touch to group tourism. The upcoming "Cultural Awakening" Japan tour in October 2025 features wheelchair-accessible vehicles, thoughtful itineraries, and considerate guides. "Everyone should experience Japan at least once," says the Co-Founder, reflecting Wizzride's commitment to comfort and joy for every generation. Financially, Wizzride's impact is clear. Revenues soared from ₹1.1 crore in its first year to ₹2.71 crore in the second--a stunning 146% growth--serving more than 300 travellers each day. This momentum stems from word-of-mouth, consistent service, and continual technology-driven improvements. A Future Fueled by Innovation and Heart From the green hills of Darjeeling to the lively avenues of Shillong, Wizzride's mission is to connect Northeast India more smartly, sustainably, and inclusively than ever before. With a robust suite of technologies--AI-powered bidding, predictive fleet analytics, and seamless travel integration--Wizzride leads with both innovation and empathy. As the company expands across Assam and Meghalaya, its vision stays anchored in regional pride, social responsibility, and a passion to transform how the world experiences India's Northeast, one remarkable journey at a time. Book your journey at and join the movement: #ShareYourRide #TravelSmartWithWizzride
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Not all AI stocks are winners, bonds could be a hedge against volatility: BlackRock Strategist
The artificial intelligence trade has powered markets to record highs this year, but not every AI stock will come out on top, cautions one of BlackRock's (BLK) top strategists. Gargi Pal Chaudhuri, chief investment and portfolio strategist for the Americas at BlackRock, says investors need to start getting more selective within the AI space as tariff risks rise and earnings season kicks off. 'We're thinking about investing actively, even within the AI theme,' Chaudhuri said in an interview on Yahoo Finance's Open Bid. 'Given these tariffs headlines that are going to continue to play out over the next few months, we think there are going to be winners and losers within the space.' After a first half filled with surprises, from a deepening global rate divergence to a broadening of the Magnificent Seven rally, investors can't assume the same playbook will work in the second half of 2025. One under-the-radar hedge, she says, is in bonds, particularly inflation-linked securities like TIPS and STIP, which can help shield portfolios if sticky inflation reemerges or new tariffs begin to bite. Chaudhuri suggests the need for a better toolkit to handle the downsides of tariffs and rate swings, especially since they hit different areas and industries. 'Allocating to the inflation-linked space, especially at the very long end of the curve, can be a really good addition to a portfolio right now,' Chaudhuri said. The comments come as Wall Street is recalibrating its expectations for rate cuts. After pricing in just one or no cuts earlier this year, some investors now expect two by year-end, thanks to softer inflation data and a cooling labor market. Chaudhuri said rate cut hopes, combined with low expectations for the upcoming earnings season, have helped steady market sentiment even as risks mount. Read more: How the Fed rate decision affects your bank accounts, loans, credit cards, and investments 'After the incredible Q1 earnings season, expectations are low,' she said. 'Many are expecting certain areas, such as tech and software, particularly AI names, to beat." Chaudhuri added that while many equity markets could broadly go higher in the second half, the path won't be smooth. On Monday, Trump posted letters impacting 14 countries on tariffs, with rates ranging from 25% to 40%. The president warned that there will be no extension to the tariff negotiation deadline of Aug. 1. The call for more active positioning is echoed in BlackRock's broader midyear strategy. The firm's analysts argue that market outcomes are increasingly being shaped by policy decisions, from rate policy to fiscal spending, rather than just corporate fundamentals. For now, the mood heading into the second half is about thoughtfulness. 'Sure, maybe equity markets can go higher. But you really have to pick your spots,' Chaudhuri said. Francisco Velasquez is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. He can be reached on LinkedIn and X. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
