IntrCity rolls out air-purified buses in North India after data shows 2-3× unsafe in-cabin pollution

IntrCity SmartBus introduced air-purified intercity bus fleet SmartBus.AQI across key North India routes as pollution levels surge, what the company claims is the country’s first such initiative.

The company said the move aims to make long-distance travel safer by addressing in-cabin air pollution, a factor often overlooked in road transport.

The first phase of the rollout began on Thursday, with more buses to be added. Each SmartBus.AQI vehicle is equipped with an air-purification system designed to filter PM2.5, carbon dioxide, dust, smoke and other harmful particles.


The SmartBus.AQI fleet is debuting on routes such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Katra and Pathankot. IntrCity said real-time AQI readings will be available on board and on its app.

Extensive tests conducted by the company showed that in-cabin air pollution levels were two to three times higher than WHO’s recommended limits on several routes. IntrCity partnered with Respirer Living Sciences, a climate-tech firm focused on clean-air systems, to develop the new fleet with locally sourced technology.

Manish Rathi, Co-founder and CEO of IntrCity SmartBus, said, “Our air-quality tests were eye-opening. As leaders in the intercity mobility category, we felt a responsibility to address this urgent health concern. SmartBus.AQI is our commitment to ensuring that clean, safe air becomes a standard part of bus travel in India. This is a meaningful upgrade to the overall travel experience and to passenger wellbeing.”

IntrCity said pilot runs showed PM2.5 levels maintained at around 40 micrograms per cubic metre for over 90% of the journey, below India’s national prescribed 24-hour limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre.