FlixBus India, a global travel-tech leader, celebrated its one-year anniversary with the flag-off of its first electric bus route in India, marking a significant step in its commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions and promoting sustainable mobility.
(From left) Shri. Ponnam Prabhakar, Minister of Transport and BC Welfare, Government of Telangana; Dr. PS. Prasad, ETO Motors; Amita Desai, Honorary Consul of Germany to Hyderabad; Alexander Reck, Counsellor for Digital and Transport, German Embassy, New Delhi; Surya Khurana, Managing Director, FlixBus India; and Rajeev YSR, CEO – Thunder Plus and Group CMO, ETO Group
The launch event for FlixBus India’s EV bus operations, in partnership with ETO Motors, was held at ITC Kakatiya, Hyderabad, and was officiated by Shri Ponnam Prabhakar, Minister of Transport and BC Welfare, Government of Telangana. The event also saw the esteemed presence of Mr. Alexander Reck, Counsellor for Digital and Transport, German Embassy, New Delhi; Mr. Rajeev YSR, CEO – Thunder Plus and Group Chief Marketing Officer, ETO Group; and Mr. Surya Khurana, Managing Director, FlixBus India
Congratulating FlixBus India and ETO Motors on the launch, Shri Ponnam Prabhakar, Minister of Transport, Government of Telangana, said: “FlixBus and ETO Motors will together address the long-distance sustainable mobility needs of people in Telangana and the southern region with a technology-driven alternative. We wish both companies success and hope they contribute to accelerating the adoption of e-buses across the country.”
EV Pilot Project: A Step Towards Greener Intercity Travel
The EV pilot project will launch on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada route with four electric buses, aimed at assessing feasibility and expanding through a hub-and-spoke model. A two-week test run will precede the official start of operations in late February, followed by a 12-week evaluation of key metrics such as battery performance and passenger booking patterns.
To support these operations, Thunder Plus will provide depot-cum-opportunity charging stations equipped with 240 kW fast chargers, ensuring optimal efficiency while preventing battery overheating. The advanced EV fleet will also feature dashcams, GPS, ADAS, and other safety enhancements, ensuring a seamless and secure travel experience for passengers.
Commenting on this milestone, Surya Khurana, MD, FlixBus India, said: “FlixBus India has emerged as a trailblazer in its debut year, connecting over 200 cities across the nation with technology-driven, efficient, affordable, and comfortable bus services. Now, we are taking our commitment to sustainable travel a step further by introducing four electric buses as part of our diverse and tech-agnostic strategy to explore alternative fuels and reduce carbon emissions. This pilot project underscores FlixBus India’s efforts to align with our country’s sustainability goals while addressing India’s unique mobility challenges.”
Rajeev YSR, Group CMO, ETO Motors, added: “Our collaboration with FlixBus India marks a significant step in revolutionizing intercity travel through sustainable mobility solutions. With our expertise in electric vehicle technology and FlixBus’ extensive network, we aim to set a new benchmark for green transportation. Through this partnership, we are now serving commuters across the entire journey—from first mile and last mile to intercity (middle mile) travel. This strategic alliance reflects our shared vision of creating a cleaner and greener future.”
FlixBus India’s Success Story
In its first year of operations, FlixBus India has successfully connected over 200 cities, including 75+ in South India and 140+ in the North, offering over 400 routes in the South and 500 in the North. Popular and highly-rated routes include Bangalore – Hyderabad, Bangalore – Chennai, Chennai – Madurai, Delhi – Lucknow, Delhi – Manali, and Dehradun – Delhi.
Over the past year, FlixBus has achieved a sixfold increase in monthly ridership and continues to enhance its services through strategic collaborations with local bus operators. The company provides access to proprietary technology and tools, empowering small and medium-sized operators to better manage and scale their businesses. Through network planning, revenue management, and yield optimization, FlixBus ensures high service quality, safety, and an exceptional travel experience for passengers.
Looking ahead, FlixBus aims to expand its network and strengthen its pan-India travel ecosystem, driving sustainable mobility growth for both operators and passengers.
