Blue Dart Express plans to raise prices for its domestic services by 9-12%, effective January 1, 2027.

Price revision details

The upcoming tariff revision will apply to Blue Dart Express's domestic services. The company has announced a price increase in the range of 9-12%, set to take effect from January 1, 2027. The specific increase depends on the product and the customer's shipping profile.

Rationale and exemptions

The company stated that the annual price review accounts for changes in operating costs, including rising labour and utility expenses, as well as inflationary pressures. The revision aims to support continued investment in service quality, network capabilities, and technology infrastructure.

To mitigate immediate impact on new business, customers who sign up between October 1 and December 31, 2026, will be exempt from the upcoming price increase.

Balfour Manuel, Managing Director of Blue Dart, noted that reliable logistics are essential for competitiveness as India's economy grows. He emphasized that sustained investment in infrastructure is required to meet demand amid an evolving global trade environment. Dipanjan Banerjee, Chief Commercial Officer, added that the company is mitigating cost pressures through productivity improvements, network optimisation, and greater automation.

Blue Dart Express Board of Directors approved the Notice of Postal Ballot to seek shareholder approval for the appointment of R.S. Subramanian as Managing Director. The decision follows the earlier announcement of his succession to Balfour Manuel, who retires in November 2026.

The board meeting held on September 23, 2026, also addressed significant governance changes. Ms. Kavita Nair’s tenure as Independent Director expires on September 25, 2026. Consequently, Mr. Charles Simon Dobbie resigned from the Board effective September 25, 2026, to ensure compliance with regulatory composition requirements. A subsequent corrigendum clarified that these exits occur at the close of business hours on September 25, correcting an earlier reference to September 26.

Leadership transition details

The Board confirmed the structured succession plan initially announced in September. R.S. Subramanian will assume the role of Managing Director effective November 30, 2026. He succeeds Balfour Manuel, who superannuates on November 29, 2026, after 43 years with the company. To ensure continuity, Manuel will serve as Senior Strategic Advisor until May 15, 2027.

Board composition changes

Mr. Sebastian Paeßens has been appointed as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board with effect from September 26, 2026. This appointment coincides with the cessation of Ms. Kavita Nair’s office and Mr. Dobbie’s resignation.

To maintain board strength, Mr. Rajat Kumar Jain and Mr. Avijit Mukerji were appointed as Independent Directors effective September 23, 2026. These changes necessitated a reconstitution of key board committees, effective September 26, 2026.

Profile of incoming MD

Subramanian brings nearly four decades of experience in strategy and organisational transformation. He currently serves as Senior Vice President, DHL Express South Asia, and Managing Director, DHL Express India, overseeing operations across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan. He has been a Director on the Blue Dart Express Limited Board since 2019.

Committee reconstitution

Following the director changes, the Board reconstituted its committees. R.S. Subramanian joins the Audit Committee as a Member and chairs the Stakeholders Relationship Committee. Balfour Manuel retains membership in the Risk Management and CSR Committees during his advisory period.

Outgoing MD legacy

Balfour Manuel joined Blue Dart in 1983 as one of its earliest employees. Appointed Managing Director in 2019, he led the company through sustained growth and network expansion. His tenure spans more than four decades, shaping the company's customer-centric culture and market leadership.