Through thoughtful design, dependable technology, and customer-centric innovation, IntrCity is revolutionizing the way millions of Indian travelers experience intercity bus journeys.
In India’s vast and dynamic travel landscape, where millions rely on buses for long-distance journeys, IntrCity SmartBus has emerged as a powerful disruptor. At a time when intercity bus travel was often seen as unpredictable, uncomfortable, and lacking in basic amenities, IntrCity stepped in with a bold vision: to bring structure, safety, and sophistication to road travel.
From day one, the company set out to solve a problem that affected everyday Indians – how to make long-distance bus travel dependable and dignified. Rather than merely offering transport, IntrCity chose to build a full-fledged mobility ecosystem grounded in technology, transparency, and trust.
Today, that mission has evolved into a robust network of SmartBuses connecting over 630 cities across 16 states, delivering a travel experience that seamlessly blends efficiency with thoughtful care.
“Our goal was always to create a platform that brings predictability and comfort to road travel. Today, every route, every boarding lounge, and every new service reflects that promise,” says Manish Rathi, Co-founder & CEO, IntrCity SmartBus.
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A Travel Experience Designed Around the Passenger
At the heart of IntrCity SmartBus lies a singular commitment to make every step of the journey, from booking to boarding to arrival, not just easier but more reassuring, seamless, and human-centered.
Every feature is carefully crafted to deliver peace of mind, safety, and control over the travel experience.
Passengers benefit from a thoughtfully designed ecosystem that includes:
- Live bus tracking and real-time journey alerts, keeping both passengers and their loved ones informed throughout the trip
- Onboard washrooms, a standout innovation that eliminates discomfort on long-haul routes – especially valued by women, senior citizens, and families
- Women-only reserved seats and private sleeping cabins, creating a sense of privacy and security that’s rare in traditional bus services
- Lounge-style boarding areas in 20+ cities, with an additional 50+ boarding partners, transforming chaotic, roadside pick-up points into organized, clean, and relaxed pre-boarding spaces
Every ride is managed by trained onboard captains, ensuring both technical oversight and courteous service throughout the journey. Combined with well-maintained buses and streamlined boarding experiences, these elements offer a highly curated, consistent travel experience that resonates with frequent and first-time travelers alike.
Data-Driven Innovation That Matters
In a world where travel needs are constantly evolving, IntrCity SmartBus stands out for its ability to listen, learn, and act – fast. Its edge lies in a deep, data-led understanding of what passengers truly need, powered by its sister company, RailYatri – one of India’s leading real-time travel intelligence platforms.
By tapping into granular insights on passenger behavior, route patterns, and unmet expectations, IntrCity was able to transform raw data into meaningful enhancements that directly improve the travel experience.
One of the clearest examples? The introduction of onboard washrooms.
RailYatri’s data revealed a consistent trend – a large segment of travelers, especially women, elderly passengers, and families, expressed anxiety about the lack of clean, accessible restrooms during long-distance journeys.
IntrCity SmartBus didn’t just take note of this gap; it responded with innovation. As one of the first operators in India to introduce onboard washroom facilities, IntrCity set a new benchmark for passenger comfort.
Today, these restrooms are among the most valued features on the SmartBus platform, significantly improving the travel experience and addressing a key barrier to accessibility on intercity routes.
“Every new feature we roll out is based on what we hear and see from our travelers. It’s a cycle of listening, building, and improving,” says Manish Rathi.
Whether it’s optimizing boarding points, customizing seat configurations, or improving journey alerts, every innovation is backed by data and inspired by empathy, ensuring that progress is never guesswork, but always grounded in real passenger needs.
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Empowering Travelers With Flexibility
Travel, by its nature, can be unpredictable. Plans change, delays happen, and personal schedules shift. Recognizing this reality, IntrCity SmartBus came up with a suite of smart, user-friendly tools designed to give travelers greater control and peace of mind.
Key innovations that empower passengers include:
- Smart Switch feature that lets passengers effortlessly “switch” between travel dates, routes, services, or even seat preferences, without the usual hassle.
- Multiple boarding and drop-off points across key cities, offering more accessibility and convenience to match individual itineraries
- Low-cost cancellations and reschedules, encouraging early bookings without the fear of losing money if plans evolve
These features aren’t just operational conveniences, they are trust-builders. In a market where uncertainty often prevents travelers from booking in advance, IntrCity’s flexible model offers confidence and control, strengthening customer loyalty and reducing friction at every stage.
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Creating Value On-the-Go for Brands
While IntrCity SmartBus is fundamentally a passenger-first mobility platform, it is also uniquely positioned as a high-impact engagement channel for brands looking to connect with a diverse, on-the-move audience across India.
With every journey, IntrCity offers more than just transportation, it creates meaningful, memorable touchpoints for travelers and brands alike. Each bus becomes a moving canvas, and each lounge a curated micro-environment where brands can introduce, interact, and leave lasting impressions.
Whether it’s a surprise welcome kit, a free travel insurance package, or a special offer for hotel bookings, these carefully placed moments of delight turn routine travel into an opportunity for discovery.
For passengers, it’s added value. For brands, it’s targeted, high-quality visibility in a captive environment that reaches both metros and emerging markets.
The company’s network of premium lounges also serves as a powerful offline extension of brand experiences. These lounges double as experiential zones, allowing partner brands to showcase products, run activations, or offer samples in an atmosphere of comfort and attention.
By seamlessly bridging the physical and digital worlds, IntrCity SmartBus enables brands to engage with a dynamic, tech-savvy consumer base across India.
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Growing With Purpose
For IntrCity SmartBus, growth goes beyond simply adding more buses or expanding routes. It’s about scaling with precision, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to quality. The company’s unique approach balances expansion with a sharp focus on experience and operational excellence.
Over the past year, the company has proven that it is possible to scale while maintaining high service standards.
That clarity of purpose is reflected in the company’s performance. IntrCity SmartBus reported over ₹500 crore in revenue for FY25, marking a robust 70% increase from ₹320 crore in the previous year. Its EBITDA rose to ₹12 crore (provisional), a significant leap from ₹1.5 crore, signaling not just growth, but profitable growth.
Looking ahead, the momentum continues. The company has set its sights on crossing ₹1,000 crore in revenue by FY27, driven by its asset-light model, strong operator partnerships, and rising demand for structured intercity travel. Over the next two years, it plans to add 500 new buses, expanding access to underserved regions and improving frequency across existing routes.
“While the bus industry in India spans three generations, the key challenge has traditionally been balancing scale with profitability. Over the last 12 months, more than 200 new buses have been added to the IntrCity SmartBus platform by asset owners, and we have managed to scale by 70 percent while maintaining EBITDA profitability,” said Manish Rathi.
Sustainability and Safety at the Core
In an era where environmental responsibility and passenger safety are no longer optional, IntrCity SmartBus has placed both at the very foundation of its operating philosophy. Every vehicle, route, and onboard process is thoughtfully designed to deliver a travel experience that is not only comfortable but also conscious and secure.
From rigorous vehicle health checks and preventive maintenance protocols to trained onboard staff and real-time monitoring systems, IntrCity ensures that every journey is supported by layers of operational oversight. Passengers can board with confidence, knowing that their well-being is prioritized every step of the way.
On the sustainability front, the company is proactively working with its fleet partners to implement eco-conscious solutions, including route planning that reduces fuel consumption and technology upgrades that optimize engine performance. These measures not only lower the environmental footprint but also contribute to more efficient, cost-effective operations.
In a category long driven by short-term gains and minimal standards, IntrCity is raising the bar, proving that responsible growth can go hand-in-hand with scale, service, and impact.
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Looking Ahead: Smarter Routes, Stronger Connections
As India’s demand for safe, predictable, and premium intercity travel continues to grow, IntrCity SmartBus is poised to lead the next phase of transformation. With a clear vision for the future and a proven model built on innovation, passenger trust, and operational excellence, the company is doubling down on its mission: to make every bus ride feel seamless, personal, and reliable.
The road ahead includes:
- Expanding its SmartBus lounge network across major highway-connected zones to enhance pre-boarding comfort and convenience
- Investing in advanced tech integrations, including AI-powered route optimization and predictive maintenance tools to improve efficiency and reliability
- Scaling into new regional corridors and underserved markets, bringing structured, high-quality mobility to millions more across India
“We’re committed to building a future where every intercity bus ride feels like a seamless, cared-for experience. That’s our north star,” states Manish Rathi.
This article was originally published in the May 2025 issue of The Bus Insider magazine.