In a significant step toward improving passenger health and travel comfort, IntrCity SmartBus has launched India’s first air-purified intercity bus service, branded as “SmartBus.AQI,” on the Coimbatore–Chennai and Chennai–Coimbatore routes.

The initiative addresses a critical yet often overlooked aspect of long-distance travel — the quality of air inside bus cabins. According to internal studies conducted by the company, in-cabin air pollution levels in intercity buses can be two to three times higher than the limits recommended by the World Health Organization.

With the introduction of SmartBus.AQI, the company claims to have significantly improved in-cabin air quality. PM2.5 levels are maintained at approximately 40 µg/m³ for over 90% of the journey duration — a level considerably cleaner than the outdoor air quality in most major Indian cities.

Passengers can easily identify these air-purified buses while booking tickets through the IntrCity app or website via the “SmartBus.AQI” tag. To ensure transparency, real-time AQI and PM2.5 readings are displayed both onboard and within the app throughout the journey.

Commenting on the launch, Manish Rathi, Co-founder and CEO of IntrCity SmartBus, said, “Coimbatore is a key intercity travel hub with strong demand for routes like Coimbatore–Chennai. With SmartBus.AQI, we aim to provide passengers with a safer and healthier travel experience by ensuring cleaner air inside the bus.”

The company has also launched a dedicated microsite where travelers can explore the technology behind the air purification system and learn more about the initiative.