Intercity travel in India is on the rise, with more people moving from smaller towns to metropolitan cities for work and education. To cater to this growing demand, IntrCity SmartBus, a tech-enabled intercity bus platform based in Noida, has secured $30 million in funding to expand its network across smaller cities and towns in the country.
The funding, part of an all-equity Series D round led by A91 Partners, values the startup at $140 million post-money. The company’s innovative approach to intercity bus travel aims to bridge the gap left by limited and unreliable state-run bus services.
Unlike traditional operators, IntrCity SmartBus operates on an asset-light model by partnering with local bus owners and equipping their vehicles with advanced technology for real-time tracking. This approach allows the company to centralize ticket booking, route planning, and service optimization through its digital platform.
To ensure safety and consistency, each bus is staffed with trained personnel known as “captains” and equipped with amenities such as washrooms. The company also operates air-conditioned boarding lounges to enhance the pre-departure experience for passengers.
Founded in 2019 as an online train ticketing platform under the RailYatri brand, IntrCity SmartBus has quickly become a dominant player in the intercity bus travel sector. The company now operates around 600 daily bus trips, serving between 20,000 and 25,000 passengers per day.
With a focus on operational excellence, the startup has identified key economic hubs across India and operates in 13 to 14 of these hubs, covering 15 states. The company’s revenue has grown significantly, reaching ₹5 billion (approximately $57 million) in the last fiscal year, with projections to exceed ₹7 billion (around $79 million) in the current year.
IntrCity SmartBus aims to enhance customer experience, safety, and fleet management technology with the latest funding round. Despite increasing competition from new-age intercity bus startups and international players like FlixBus, the company remains focused on delivering exceptional service and operational excellence.
As the intercity travel sector in India continues to grow, IntrCity SmartBus is well-positioned to become the preferred mode of travel for millions of passengers. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, the company is set to revolutionize the way people travel between cities in India.
