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IntrCity SmartBus has taken a significant step in redefining long-distance travel in South India by expanding its SmartBus.AQI service to the Chennai-Coimbatore route. This expansion strengthens the brand's commitment to offering healthier in-cabin air, making clean air a standard feature for passengers on intercity journeys. Building on successful deployments across routes like Delhi, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, and Nagpur-Mumbai, the initiative has already demonstrated strong passenger demand, with occupancy levels exceeding 90% since its launch in October 2025. Today, the air-purified fleet operates across more than 20 cities, with plans for further growth in the coming months.
The launch in Chennai was marked by the presence of Poonam Sabikhi, Senior Transport Planner, highlighting the growing importance of sustainable, commuter-focused innovations in India's urban mobility landscape. Speaking at the event, Manish Rathi, Co-founder and CEO of IntrCity SmartBus, emphasized the brand's responsibility to address air quality concerns. "Our air-quality tests were eye-opening. As leaders in the intercity mobility sector, we are committed to ensuring that clean, safe air becomes a standard part of bus travel in India. SmartBus.AQI is a meaningful upgrade to both the travel experience and passenger wellbeing", he said.
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The event also saw participation from Dayalan Maran, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Omni Bus Operators Association (TOBOA) and owner of Sri Bhagiyalakshmi Tours & Travels, one of IntrCity's key operator partners, alongside other leading bus operators. The next launch is scheduled in Coimbatore on April 9, 2026, which will further reinforce IntrCity SmartBus's presence and commitment to the region.
The SmartBus.AQI system, developed in collaboration with climate-tech company Respirer Living Sciences and indigenous partners, actively filters PM2.5, CO2, dust, smoke, and other pollutants throughout the journey. Passengers can track real-time air quality onboard and through the IntrCity app.
Pilot runs showed that the system maintained PM2.5 levels around 40 ug/m3 for nearly 90% of the journey, well below India's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limit. Complementing this effort, IntrCity has launched a dedicated SmartBus.AQI microsite, allowing travelers to explore the technology, understand the science behind it, and appreciate the brand's innovative approach to cleaner, safer intercity travel.
