Global travel technology leader FlixBus India celebrates its first anniversary with the launch of the first electric bus route in India, marking a major step forward in its commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.
(From left) Shri. Ponnam Prabhakar, Minister of Transport and BC Welfare, Government of Telangana; Dr. PS. Prasad, ETO Automotive; Amita Desai, Honorary Consul of Germany in Hyderabad; Alexander Reck, Digital and Transport Counselor, Embassy of Germany in New Delhi; Surya Khurana, Managing Director, FlixBus India; and Rajeev YSR, CEO, Thunder Plus and Group Chief Marketing Officer, ETO Group
The launch of FlixBus India’s electric bus business in partnership with ETO Motors was held at ITC Kakatiya, Hyderabad, and was chaired by Shri Ponnam Prabhakar, Minister, Transport and Welfare Department, Government of Telangana State. The event was also attended by Mr. Alexander Reck, Counselor for Digital and Transport, Embassy of Germany in New Delhi; Mr. Rajeev YSR, CEO, Thunder Plus and Chief Marketing Officer, ETO Group; and Mr. Surya Khurana, Managing Director, FlixBus India
Shri Ponnam Prabhakar, Transport Minister, Government of Telangana, congratulated FlixBus India and ETO Motors on the launch, saying, “Together, FlixBus and ETO Motors will address the long-distance sustainable travel needs of people in Telangana and southern regions through technology-driven alternatives. We wish both companies success and hope they contribute in accelerating the adoption of electric buses across the country.”
Electric vehicle pilot project: a step towards green intercity mobility
The electric vehicle pilot project will be launched on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada route with four electric buses and aims to assess feasibility and scale up through a hub-and-spoke model. A two-week trial run will be conducted before official operations begin at the end of 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 garage-cum-opportunity charging stations equipped with 240 kW fast chargers, ensuring optimal efficiency while preventing battery overheating. The fleet of advanced electric vehicles will also be equipped with dash cams, GPS, ADAS and other safety enhancements to ensure a seamless and safe travel experience for passengers.
Commenting on this milestone, Surya Khurana, MD, FlixBus India said, “FlixBus India has become a trailblazer in its first year of launch, connecting 200 countries across the country with technology-driven, efficient, affordable and comfortable bus services. multiple cities. Now, we are furthering our commitment to sustainable mobility with the introduction of four electric buses as part of our diversified and technology-neutral 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 transportation challenges.”
Rajeev YSR, Group Chief Marketing Officer, ETO Motors, added: “Our partnership with FlixBus India marks an important step towards revolutionizing inter-city mobility with sustainable mobility solutions. With our expertise in electric vehicle technology and FlixBus With an extensive network, we aim to set a new benchmark in green transportation. With this partnership, we now serve commuters across the entire journey – from the first and last mile to intercity (middle mile) travel. This strategic alliance reflects our shared vision of creating a cleaner, greener future.”
FlixBus India success story
In its first year of operation, FlixBus India has successfully connected more than 200 cities, including more than 75 cities in southern India and more than 140 cities in northern India, providing more than 400 routes in the south and more than 500 routes 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 grown its monthly ridership six-fold and continues to enhance its services through strategic partnerships with local bus operators. The company provides proprietary technology and tools that enable small and medium-sized operators to better manage and scale their businesses. Through network planning, revenue management and yield optimization, FlixBus ensures high quality service, safety and an exceptional travel experience for passengers.
Going forward, FlixBus aims to expand its network and strengthen its pan-India travel ecosystem, driving sustainable travel growth for operators and passengers.