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Tag: ixigo

  • All aboard the big win as Abhibus rolls out its Grand Winter Bus Sale

    All aboard the big win as Abhibus rolls out its Grand Winter Bus Sale

    MUMBAI: Pack your bags and your luck because AbhiBus just turned routine travel into a road trip to riches. The ixigo-owned online bus platform has flagged off The Grand Winter Bus Sale, its biggest travel bonanza of the year, giving passengers not just discounts but the chance to drive away with a Mahindra Scorpio, iPhones, PlayStations, and even gold coins.

    The nationwide sale, live from 3 November to 31 December 2025, promises up to 50 per cent off on bus tickets and a steady stream of daily, weekly, and monthly prizes. Whether you’re booking a quick weekend getaway or a cross-country ride, each ticket comes with the potential to turn your journey into a jackpot.

    The Grand Winter Bus Sale is AbhiBus’s way of turning India’s favourite travel mode into a festival on wheels. Travellers can claim discounts by using promo code Grandsale, while the code Grandwin unlocks the shot at prizes including:

    . 1 Mahindra Scorpio as the grand prize

    . 1 iPhone 17 Pro every month

    .  1 PlayStation 5 and gold coins every week

    . ixigo flight and hotel vouchers worth Rs 5,000 every day

    That’s not all. Every booking guarantees travel perks like 15 per cent off hotels and flights on Ixigo, Zomato Gold access, Lenskart memberships, and more ensuring that even if you don’t win the car, your next trip will still feel first class.

    “With the Grand Winter Bus Sale, we wanted to make travel irresistible,” said Abhibus COO Rohit Sharma. “Customers can save big and win bigger. It’s not just about discounts, it’s about joy, excitement, and rewards for every traveller. This is our way of thanking millions who’ve trusted us for safe, comfortable journeys all year long.”

    Since its founding, Abhibus has grown into one of India’s most trusted names in intercity travel, connecting millions of passengers across thousands of routes. Its integration with ixigo has further strengthened its technology stack, enabling seamless booking, real-time tracking, and affordability at scale.

    In an industry where discounts are routine, Abhibus is betting on delight. The Grand Winter Bus Sale is less about slashing fares and more about sparking smiles. For two months, every ticket booked on the Abhibus app or website doubles as a chance to win something bigger be it a dream gadget or an entire car.

    And with India’s festive spirit spilling into the new year, AbhiBus’s timing couldn’t be better. For once, missing a flight might just be the best thing that happens to you because the real action’s happening on the road.

    So, fasten your seatbelts and keep your fingers crossed. With The Grand Winter Bus Sale, the next stop might just be a win.
     

  • Simran Kodesia takes charge of communications at Peak XV Partners

    Simran Kodesia takes charge of communications at Peak XV Partners

    MUMBAI: Peak XV Partners, the venture capital firm spun out of Sequoia Capital’s India and Southeast Asia operations, has appointed Simran Kodesia as head of communications. Based in India, she will be responsible for shaping and protecting the firm’s reputation across India, Southeast Asia and the US
    .
    Kodesia brings 17 years of international communications experience across consumer technology, hospitality and media. She joins Peak XV from DoorDash in San Francisco, where she spent nearly four years as director of international communications, steering the food-delivery giant’s consumer and technology narrative, managing global media relations and handling crisis strategy.

    Prior to that, she played a central role in Airbnb’s India and Southeast Asia expansion, helping to embed the brand in new markets and reframe travel culture through campaigns focused on community and conscious tourism. She has also held senior positions at The Claridges Hotels & Resorts, ixigo, and Hill+Knowlton Strategies, where she worked with marquee clients including Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Sony Entertainment Television on pre-opening launches, brand positioning and new-channel roll-outs.

    Colleagues describe her as a values-driven leader with a flair for storytelling that scales. Over the years she has built and led award-winning campaigns in collaboration with global influencers, founders and senior executives. Her expertise spans influencer marketing, strategic and corporate communications, crisis management and public affairs.

    Educated at the International School of Communication in London, with further training at the University of Zurich, Kodesia says she is motivated by building platforms that allow founders and brands to “tell authentic stories at scale.”

    For Peak XV, which manages over $9bn in assets and backs companies such as Zomato, Freshworks and GoTo, her appointment signals a renewed focus on narrative discipline as competition intensifies among venture firms in Asia and scrutiny of tech investors grows sharper in Washington and beyond.

  • AbhiBus joins Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 as official bus booking partner

    AbhiBus joins Tamil Nadu Premier League 2025 as official bus booking partner

    MUMBAI: AbhiBus (ixigo’s bus business), has announced its association with the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) as the official bus booking partner for the 2025 season.

    The partnership features extensive AbhiBus branding across stadiums, deep integration on the league’s digital platforms, and a host of fan-focused initiatives aimed at enhancing the cricket experience. As the official travel partner, AbhiBus is not only supporting regional cricket but also revolutionising how fans travel, offering seamless, affordable, and convenient options so they can follow their favourite teams across Tamil Nadu and beyond with ease.

    Commenting on this, AbhiBus COO Rohit Sharma said, “We’re thrilled to partner with TNPL 2025 and be at the heart of Tamil Nadu’s cricketing celebrations. Presenting the Orange Cap to the tournament’s top run-scorer is not just a proud moment – it’s a reflection of our belief in rewarding excellence, both on and off the field. With AbhiBus, fans get more than just a ride, they get a hassle-free travel experience that keeps them close to the action, the teams they support, and the game they love.”

    TNPL spokesperson R. I Palani added, “We are excited to welcome AbhiBus into the TNPL family. This partnership adds value to the league by offering greater convenience to our fans. With AbhiBus on board, planning travel around matches becomes smoother, and their presence – from stadium LED displays to digital engagement – will further enrich the TNPL experience.”

  • Panchayat fans elect early release, season 4 now drops on 24 June

    Panchayat fans elect early release, season 4 now drops on 24 June

    MUMBAI: Panchayat fans have spoken, and Prime Video has listened. The wildly popular rural dramedy is returning sooner than expected — with season 4 now set to stream from 24 June, pulling ahead from its earlier 2 July release date.

    What caused the shift? A quirky, tongue-in-cheek referendum-style campaign where cast members made mock “election promises” to release the show early — but only if fans cast their votes (read: likes, shares, hashtags).

    The social media blitz went viral, with the hashtag #PanchayatNow trending and a brigade of brands jumping into the fray with punny pleas and snackable slogans.

    From AJIO and Pepperfry to McCain, Taco Bell, Ixigo, and True Elements, everyone threw their hat into the digital ring. The campaign — crafted by The Zoya Co. — merged humour, nostalgia, and cultural relevance, turning brand posts into fan love letters.

    Speaking on this campaign, McCain India retail – digital lead, Sumati Kapur said, “Panchayat is more than just a show, it’s a reflection of the everyday Indian family dynamic, rooted in culture, community, and shared experiences. At McCain, we saw a natural synergy in collaborating with a show that every household relates to. Our hot and crispy snacks are a staple in family conversations, chai breaks, and everything in between just like the moments Panchayat so effortlessly captures. This partnership allowed us to create meaningful noise by placing McCain at the heart of relatable, real storytelling that resonates across generations.”

    The fan-first push is not just a win for early binge-watchers — it reflects Panchayat’s cult status. The series has struck a chord with audiences for its grounded humour and affectionate portrayal of small-town India.

    With season 4 promising a fiery face-off between Pradhanji and Bhushanji, and the usual dose of satire, soul, and sideways glances, the early drop is just the trailer to a bigger, better panchayat.

    Bring on the ballots — and the binge.

    Burger King: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Manju Devi ka manifesto menu mein chhap denge” IG

     

     

    Taco Bell: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Phulera ke har matdata ke liye Naked Taco Bilkul Muft Muft Muft!

     

     

    AJIO: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh hum naye kapdo ki gram sabha bula lenge  

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by AJIO.com (@ajiolife)

     

    Rapido: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Rapido parcel mein sirf lauki bhejenge

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Rapido (@rapidoapp)

     

    PepperFry: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Sachiv ji ko bed linen ke sath Bed free.

     

     

    Abhibus India: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh har Phulera wasi ko milegi abhibus par ek free seat”

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by AbhiBus (@abhibusindia)

     

    TBH: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Lauki ke chips banayega TBH Honest style mein!

     

     

    Mc Cain: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Sachiv ji ke table par ab lauki nahi Mc Cain Aloo Tikki hoga

     

     

    Go Ibibo: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Binod ko Phulera ke bahar ki dunia hum dikhayenge

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Goibibo (@goibibo)

     

     

  • Moneycontrol Startup Conclave 2024: Insights from policymakers, investors & entrepreneurs

    Moneycontrol Startup Conclave 2024: Insights from policymakers, investors & entrepreneurs

    Mumbai: The Moneycontrol Startup Conclave 2024 presented valuable insights and strategic discussions, attracting industry giants, visionary entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from across the country. Held at ITC Gardenia in Bengaluru, the conclave, themed “Persist | Reset | Rebuild,” captured the essence of resilience and innovation needed to navigate today’s challenging startup landscape.

    The event was organised to spotlight the transformative growth of India’s startup ecosystem. As innovation and entrepreneurship reach new heights, the conclave provided a crucial platform for key stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue. By facilitating the exchange of ideas and the formation of strategic partnerships, the event played a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of startups in India, underscoring the nation’s role as a global hub for entrepreneurial excellence.

    To give a boost on the rise of the startup eco-system in Bengaluru, minister of electronics, IT & BT and rural development & panchayat raj, government of Karnataka – Priyank Kharge highlighted the state’s role in supporting the startup ecosystem, stating, “Karnataka continues to be at the forefront of innovation, and our government is committed to supporting startups with progressive policies and world-class infrastructure.”

    India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant underscored the importance of startups in driving economic growth. “The future of India’s economy lies in the success of our startups. Their innovation and job creation capabilities are key to our nation’s progress,” Kant emphasised.

    The day featured dynamic panel discussions with prominent entrepreneurs such as Zepto co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha; Swiggy co-founder and group CEO Sriharsha Majety; Sorin Investments founder and chairman Sanjay Nayar; Delhivery co-founder and CEO Sahil Barua; PhonePe co-founder and CEO Sameer Nigam; Curefoods founder and CEO Ankit Nagori; Groww co-founder and CEO Lalit Keshre; Ixigo co-founder and group CEO Aloke Bajpai and SoftBank Investment Advisers managing partner Sumer Juneja. Topics ranged from quick commerce and workspace evolution to fintech innovations and the future of AI in startups. These sessions provided a wealth of knowledge, highlighting the achievements of industry leaders and offering a glimpse into the future of business in India.

    Narayana Health founder and chairman Dr. Devi Shetty discussed the pivotal role of startups in healthcare. “Startups are revolutionizing healthcare, making it more accessible and affordable. Their contributions in the next decade will be groundbreaking,” Shetty observed.

    SoftBank Investment Advisers managing partner Sumer Juneja highlighted the significant impact of their investments in India. “India has been an exceptional market for us, both in terms of investments and exits. Our focus now is on identifying the next wave of visionary leaders who can drive the future of innovation.”

    Swiggy co-founder and group CEO Sriharsha Majety emphasised the unique dynamics of quick commerce in India, stating, “As the sector grows, we expect a significant reconfiguration in the supply chain, likely impacting traditional retail. A substantial portion of our revenue now comes from D2C brands, and as we prepare for our IPO, our focus remains on clear communication and long-term growth.”

    The Moneycontrol Startup Conclave 2024 successfully created a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. The event witnessed several in-person attendees, with many others joining via livestream.

    Moneycontrol expresses its gratitude to all the distinguished speakers, esteemed guests, and partners, including IDFC FIRST Bank – Always You First (banking partner), DTDC (exclusive logistics partner), Peak XV (VC partner), IndiQube (workplace partner), and associate partners Games24x7, Share.Market, Adobe, Tally, Reliance India Ltd, KITS (state partner), Da Milano Italia (Luxury Partner), and Townhall (event technology partner). The participation of these partners and media personnel contributed significantly to the success of the Startup Conclave 2024. The event stands as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and determination of the Indian startup community.

  • Zee Studios’ ‘12th Fail’ sparks a #Restart movement with leading brands

    Zee Studios’ ‘12th Fail’ sparks a #Restart movement with leading brands

    Mumbai: The movie 12th Fail explores the journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma and despite all odds, how he restarted his journey towards success. The banter was appreciated by the media, critics and brands alike.

    Zee Studios’ latest film 12th Fail has been creating a buzz everywhere through its raw emotions with a story that connects to the hearts alongside a striking performance by Vikrant Massey. The story revolves around IPS aspirant Manoj Kumar Sharma played by Vikrant Massey. Despite all the challenges, with hope and courage, he always chose to restart.

    The story weaved a seamless connection with the audience as it portrayed the real struggle of a UPSC aspirant and the idea of never giving up. This became the very reason for the movie to receive humongous support from the brands.

    Leveraging the central theme of the film i.e. never giving up, Zee Studios kicked off a unique brand banter on X with the hashtag #Restart. Brands across the nation resonated well with it, and the audience as well shared their ‘Restart’ journey.

    Popular and significant brands like Zepto, Lenskart, Yatra.com, Ixigo, Xiaomi India, Nerolac Paints India, Sugar Cosmetics, Ajio, Magicpin, CoinSwitch, Eloelo, Meesho, Snapdeal, iQOO India & Mivi participated and integrated their products and services in this fun banter.

    Here’s how brands participated and shared their #restart journey:

     

     

    The movie 12th Fail is an inspiration, not just for UPSC aspirants but for everyone to lead their way to success, rise back stronger after failures, and fly high!

    This activity was a major part of the movie campaign that gained a lot of attention and created ripples of conversations. The movie 12th Fail is produced by Zee Studios and marketed by White Rivers Media, an integrated, independent digital marketing agency.

  • ixigo rolls out new campaign with Jackie Shroff & Suniel Shetty

    ixigo rolls out new campaign with Jackie Shroff & Suniel Shetty

    Mumbai: ixigo has roped in Bollywood celebrities Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shetty as the new faces of the brand for their campaign “#NikalLo.” The campaign has been designed to create buzz and increase brand awareness ahead of the festive season and will be launched across television and digital platforms.

    The television commercials feature Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shetty engaged in interesting banter, which reflects the close bond they share in real life. One of the videos features Jackie Dada struggling to pronounce the brand name ‘ixigo’ in true bhidu style, with Suniel Shetty correcting him. The ads encourage the audience to travel and end with the catchphrase “ixigo travel app download karo, bindaas ticket book karo, aur nikal lo!”

    The brand decided to team up with Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shetty as the actors enjoy mass appeal with a wide fan base spread across metros as well as tier 2 and 3 cities across India.

    Speaking on their collaboration with ixigo, Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shetty said, “We are excited to team up with ixigo for this campaign. We’ve been wanting to come together for a project for a while now, and ixigo seemed to be the perfect fit! We really resonate with the company’s resilience and growth journey. The trust and friendship that we share amongst one another is synonymous with the faith that travellers have in ixigo! We love how easy it is to book flights, train or bus tickets on ixigo. Their apps offer travellers lots of convenience and flexibility, with a wide array of features on board. Being avid travellers ourselves, we look forward to this collaboration!”

    Talking about this campaign, ixigo co-founder & group CEO Aloke Bajpai and co-founder & group CPTO Rajnish Kumar said, “We are pleased to announce our association with two legendary stars like Jackie Shroff and Suniel Shetty for our brand campaign. We have grown up watching these Bollywood icons and their passion, commitment to work and resilience resonates with our brand ethos. Travel is back with a bang this year and our aim with this campaign is to maximise awareness around ixigo ahead of the festive season. Ixigo is a unique brand name and was actually generated using an algorithm. For years, we have seen users trying to pronounce ‘ixigo’ with some interesting variations, and that was our inspiration behind the first video.”

  • Ixigo onboards Rahul Gautam as group CFO

    Ixigo onboards Rahul Gautam as group CFO

    Mumbai: Travel app ixigo has announced the onboarding of Rahul Gautam as group chief financial officer. He will replace former group CFO Ravi Gupta, who has resigned due to personal reasons.

    Rahul brings considerable experience in capital markets, corporate finance, and business advisory and will be leading the finance function for ixigo with a specific focus on corporate finance and corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, public markets and investor relations, growth, risk management and financial reporting.

    Rahul has held various leadership roles, most recently serving as senior vice president – finance at PVR Ltd, where he was responsible for various roles including corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to this, he has worked with organisations such as SBI Capital Markets Ltd, Religare Capital Markets Ltd and Deloitte Haskins and Sells. 

    Rahul holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce (honours) from the University of Delhi. In 2004, he also became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

  • ixigo introduces six independent directors to the board panel

    ixigo introduces six independent directors to the board panel

    Mumbai: Online travel app ixigo on Monday announced the appointment of six independent members to its board of directors.

    The new independent members of the board are NASSCOM Foundation ex-chairman & trustee Arun Seth; IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited) ex-chairman & managing director Mahendra Pratap Mall; ICICI Ltd & ICICI Prudential Life ex-vice president Shubha Rao Mayya; Hopper Inc founder & CEO Frederic Lalonde; Hamstede Living MD & CEO and ex Lemon Tree Hotels, Ginger Hotels, Rahul Pandit and Innerchef co-founder Rajesh Sawhney.

    Taking to social media, ixigo’s Group CEO & co-founder, Aloke Bajpai tweeted: “We are thrilled to welcome 6 new independent board members bringing rich, diverse and relevant experience to our Board. Together, we will take our iconic travel-tech offerings to the next level!”

    Launched in 2007 by Aloke Bajpai and Rajnish Kumar, Ixigo is an AI-based travel app based in Gurugram and has a user base of more than 250 million. The travel firm has divided its apps based on user interest – the ixigo train app and the ixigo flight app. 

    Earlier this year, the company acquired Bengaluru-based online train discovery and booking platform Confirmtkt for an undisclosed amount. ixigo is the fourth Indian online travel company to go public after MakeMyTrip, Yatra, and  EaseMyTrip.

  • Ixigo’s Ashish Pratap Singh joins Rehlat

    Ixigo’s Ashish Pratap Singh joins Rehlat

    NEW DELHI: Online travel booking platform Rehlat.com has named Ashish Pratap Singh as its chief marketing officer. He will be leading brand, growth, partnership and alliances at the company that was founded in 2012.

    Singh was last serving as head of digital marketing at ixigo.com, where he spent nearly four years.

    At ixigo, Singh was leading brand, content, creative, acquisition, and attribution initiatives. He was responsible for new user acquisition, growing organic traffic, repeat visits and managing analytics.

    This was Singh’s second stint at ixigo. He was previously associated with the organisation between 2012 and 2014.

    He has over 10 years of industry experience and has worked at multiple brands such as Zopper, Karyaah, and Stellar Information Systems.