Sub-Admin at 14:07, 16 September 2026

2026-09-16T14:07:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:07, 16 September 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Biography		{{Biography
	\| person_name = Deep Kalra		\| person_name = Deep Kalra
	\| portrait_image = ~~Deep_Kalra~~.jpg		\| portrait_image = 76238754656.jpg
	\| image_caption = Deep Kalra, founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip		\| image_caption = Deep Kalra, founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip
	\| title_or_role = Founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip		\| title_or_role = Founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip

Sub-Admin: Created page with "{{Biography | person_name = Deep Kalra | portrait_image = Deep_Kalra.jpg | image_caption = Deep Kalra, founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip | title_or_role = Founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip | birth_date = 1960 | birth_place = Hyderabad, India | death_date = | death_place = | nationality = Indian | spouse = | children = | occupation = Entrepreneur, Business Executive | education = Bachelor of Arts in Economics; Post Graduate Diploma in Management | alma_mater = Uni..."

2026-09-16T14:05:16Z

Created page with "{{Biography | person_name = Deep Kalra | portrait_image = Deep_Kalra.jpg | image_caption = Deep Kalra, founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip | title_or_role = Founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip | birth_date = 1960 | birth_place = Hyderabad, India | death_date = | death_place = | nationality = Indian | spouse = | children = | occupation = Entrepreneur, Business Executive | education = Bachelor of Arts in Economics; Post Graduate Diploma in Management | alma_mater = Uni..."

New page

{{Biography
| person_name = Deep Kalra
| portrait_image = Deep_Kalra.jpg
| image_caption = Deep Kalra, founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip
| title_or_role = Founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip
| birth_date = 1960
| birth_place = Hyderabad, India
| death_date =
| death_place =
| nationality = Indian
| spouse =
| children =
| occupation = Entrepreneur, Business Executive
| education = Bachelor of Arts in Economics; Post Graduate Diploma in Management
| alma_mater = [[University of Delhi]]; [[Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad]]
| institution = [[MakeMyTrip]]
| notable_for = Founding MakeMyTrip and helping develop India's online travel industry
| years_active = 1980s–present
| awards = Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year; Internet Person of the Year
| website = https://www.makemytrip.com/
}}

'''Deep Kalra''' is an Indian entrepreneur and business executive best known as the founder and Chairman of [[MakeMyTrip]], one of India's major online travel technology companies. He founded MakeMyTrip in 2000, initially targeting Indians living in the United States who needed convenient access to travel services between the United States and India. The company later expanded into the Indian market and became a major digital travel platform offering flight, hotel, holiday, bus and other travel-related services.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us
|title=About Us
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

Kalra's career spans banking, consumer internet, e-commerce and travel technology. His work at MakeMyTrip is associated with the development of online travel booking in India and the growth of digital platforms serving Indian travelers.

== Early life and education ==

Deep Kalra studied economics at the [[University of Delhi]], where he completed a bachelor's degree in arts with a specialization in economics. He subsequently completed a post-graduate diploma in management from the [[Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad]] (IIMA).<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us
|title=Deep Kalra – Founder & Chairman
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

His education in economics and management provided a foundation for his subsequent career in financial services, marketing and entrepreneurship.

== Early career ==

Before establishing MakeMyTrip, Kalra worked in several business and financial-services roles. His professional experience included banking, sales and marketing, giving him exposure to consumer businesses and financial products.

He later worked in the technology and internet sector during the early development of India's digital economy. This experience contributed to his interest in building internet-based consumer services.

Kalra eventually identified an opportunity in the travel industry, particularly in simplifying the process of searching for and purchasing travel services.

== Founding MakeMyTrip ==

In 2000, Kalra founded '''MakeMyTrip'''. The company initially focused on the US-India travel market, serving Indians residing in the United States and providing online access to air travel between the United States and India.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us
|title=We are MakeMyTrip
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

The early business operated during the development of online commerce and digital payments. Kalra's objective was to use the internet to make travel planning and booking more convenient for customers.

MakeMyTrip subsequently expanded its operations to India. In September 2005, the company launched its India website, allowing Indian consumers to book flights and later other travel products online.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us
|title=Our Journey
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

== Growth of MakeMyTrip ==

Following its entry into India, MakeMyTrip expanded beyond airline ticketing into hotels, holiday packages and other travel services.

The company developed a digital platform that allowed customers to search, compare and book travel products. Its services eventually expanded to include air tickets, hotels, alternative accommodations, holiday packages, bus tickets, rail tickets, car rentals, tours and attractions.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us
|title=About MakeMyTrip
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

MakeMyTrip became a publicly traded company in 2010 when it listed on the [[NASDAQ]] in the United States. The listing was an important milestone in the company's development as an Indian-origin internet business.

The company subsequently expanded its digital ecosystem through acquisitions and strategic investments.

== MakeMyTrip, Goibibo and redBus ==

MakeMyTrip's expansion accelerated through acquisitions and consolidation in India's online travel sector.

In 2017, MakeMyTrip completed a merger with [[Goibibo]], creating a larger online travel group. The combined company operates multiple consumer travel brands, including MakeMyTrip, Goibibo and [[redBus]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us
|title=Our Journey
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

The group subsequently expanded into corporate travel, bus transportation, ground transport, travel-agent services, foreign exchange and other travel-related services.

MakeMyTrip also expanded its geographical presence beyond India, including operations in the United Arab Emirates.

== Leadership at MakeMyTrip ==

MakeMyTrip currently identifies Kalra as its '''Founder and Chairman'''. The company's leadership profile states that he is responsible for business strategy, policy issues and organizational culture and is involved in the company's sustainability agenda.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us
|title=Our Leaders – Deep Kalra
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

Kalra has remained associated with MakeMyTrip since its incorporation. His role has evolved as the company developed from a travel-booking website into a broader travel technology platform.

He has also participated in industry organizations and tourism-related initiatives. MakeMyTrip identifies him as a council member of the World Travel and Tourism Council's India Initiative and a former co-chairman of the National Committee on Tourism and Hospitality of the Confederation of Indian Industry.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us
|title=Deep Kalra – Founder & Chairman
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

== Entrepreneurship and industry involvement ==

Kalra has been involved in India's broader startup and technology ecosystem. He has served on the board of [[TiE Delhi-NCR]] and has been associated with organizations supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.

He is also a founder and trustee of [[Ashoka University]]. In addition, he has served in advisory and institutional roles connected with education, entrepreneurship and the travel industry.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us
|title=Deep Kalra – Founder & Chairman
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

His professional interests have extended beyond the travel sector into technology, education, entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism.

== Recognition ==

Kalra has received recognition for his contribution to India's internet and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

In 2010, he was recognized as '''Internet Person of the Year''' at the India Digital Awards organized by the Internet and Mobile Association of India.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us
|title=Deep Kalra – Founder & Chairman
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

In 2011, he received the '''Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year''' award in India.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us
|title=Deep Kalra – Founder & Chairman
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

His work has also been covered by business publications including ''Forbes India'', where he has written and spoken about e-commerce, customer experience and the development of online travel in India.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/author/deep-kalra/5441
|title=Deep Kalra – Forbes India
|publisher=Forbes India
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

== MakeMyTrip Foundation ==

Kalra is a trustee of the '''MakeMyTrip Foundation''', the social-development arm associated with MakeMyTrip, Goibibo and redBus.

The foundation was established in 2015 and works on initiatives related to sustainable tourism, climate action, community empowerment and the preservation of tourist destinations. Its programs have included support for local communities, responsible tourism and environmental initiatives across Indian states.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/csr/mmt_foundation.html
|title=MakeMyTrip Foundation
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

Kalra has also been associated with initiatives promoting more sustainable approaches to travel and tourism.

== Impact on online travel ==

Kalra's entrepreneurial career is closely connected with the development of India's online travel industry.

When MakeMyTrip entered the Indian market in 2005, consumers were increasingly gaining access to internet-based travel booking. The company helped bring flight and hotel reservations onto a digital platform and subsequently expanded into multiple travel categories.

The company's later integration with Goibibo and the addition of redBus broadened its reach across flights, hotels, buses and other travel services. MakeMyTrip describes its current platform as an asset-light marketplace connecting travelers with airlines, hotels, accommodation providers and ground-transport operators.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us
|title=We are MakeMyTrip
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

== Personal life ==

Kalra generally maintains a relatively private personal life. Publicly available professional profiles focus primarily on his entrepreneurship, leadership roles, education and involvement in the travel and technology industries.

== Legacy ==

Deep Kalra is associated with the development of India's online travel sector through the founding and growth of MakeMyTrip.

The company he established in 2000 evolved from a platform focused on US-India air travel into a diversified travel technology group serving millions of travelers through MakeMyTrip, Goibibo and redBus.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us
|title=About Us
|publisher=MakeMyTrip
|access-date=16 September 2026
}}</ref>

His career represents the growth of India's internet economy from the early 2000s to the modern digital-commerce environment. In addition to his role at MakeMyTrip, his work in entrepreneurship, education and sustainable tourism has connected him with several areas of India's business ecosystem.

== See also ==

* [[MakeMyTrip]]
* [[Goibibo]]
* [[RedBus]]
* [[Online travel]]
* [[E-commerce in India]]
* [[Indian startup ecosystem]]
* [[Travel technology]]
* [[Indian entrepreneurs]]
* [[Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://www.makemytrip.com/ MakeMyTrip]
* [https://www.makemytrip.com/about-us MakeMyTrip – About Us]
* [https://www.makemytrip.com/csr/mmt_foundation.html MakeMyTrip Foundation]
* [https://www.forbesindia.com/author/deep-kalra/5441 Deep Kalra – Forbes India]

[[Category:Indian entrepreneurs]]
[[Category:Indian business executives]]
[[Category:Indian technology entrepreneurs]]
[[Category:Indian e-commerce entrepreneurs]]
[[Category:Travel industry executives]]
[[Category:MakeMyTrip]]
[[Category:Indian startup founders]]
[[Category:Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad alumni]]
[[Category:University of Delhi alumni]]
[[Category:Indian businesspeople]]
[[Category:Living people]]

Deep Kalra - Revision history

Sub-Admin at 14:07, 16 September 2026