Punjab, March 12, 2025
Approximately 18 Ola experience centers in Punjab ceased operations on Tuesday as the Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola Electric feared potential inspections by authorities, according to a report from the prominent business publication Financial Express.
According to a Bloomberg News investigation, slightly more than 100 showrooms out of the approximately 3,400 for which data is available had the trade certificates required by the Indian Motor Vehicles Act. Previously a leader in digital-only sales, the company now has 4,000 physical locations.
The Financial Express report says that road safety specialist Dr. Kamal Soi complained to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann about Ola Electric’s noncompliance. The complaint was then forwarded to the Transport Secretary for additional action.
Without a fire safety certificate, the company is selling scooters that use lithium-ion batteries Soi, a member of the National Road Safety Council, said, “I took this step because the showroom poses a significant risk during the summer, when temperatures can reach up to 50°C.”
The business, which has laid off 25% of its employees, is currently involved in a major conflict with several state transportation authorities. Ola is crosshairs with the transport authorities for running its operations without the required trade certificates.
According to the law, operating any automotive dealership in the nation jeopardizes adherence to fundamental regulations, such as those about service stations, personnel, parking lots, fire safety, and other legal requirements.
