Fresh Bus Launches Bengaluru–Hyderabad Electric Sleeper Bus, Its First Long-Haul Route

Fresh Bus has launched an electric AC sleeper bus service between Bengaluru and Hyderabad, marking the company's first long-haul intercity route. The route covers more than 600km and will use ultra-fast charging halts to support the buses during the journey.

The service will use 13.5-metre, all-sleeper AC electric buses with 39 sleeper berths. At full deployment, Fresh Bus expects the service to cater to around 18,000 passengers a month, with initial occupancy targeted at about 80% and maturity occupancy at approximately 90%.

According to Fresh Bus founder and CEO Sudhakar Chirra, the Bengaluru–Hyderabad corridor provides the company with an opportunity to extend its electric intercity operations beyond shorter routes. He said the company's objective is to establish an operating model for long-distance electric bus travel that can subsequently be applied to other high-demand corridors.

Fresh Bus Bengaluru–Hyderabad Route Gets Ultra-Fast Charging

Fresh Bus says the Bengaluru–Hyderabad service will include ultra-fast charging stops along the route. The company claims it will be the first intercity electric bus operator to deploy this charging technology on the corridor. A mid-journey stop will also provide passengers with access to restrooms and an opportunity to take a break.

The route connects Bengaluru and Hyderabad, two major technology and business centres, with travel demand also coming from education, leisure and friends-and-family journeys, according to the company.

13.5-Metre Electric Sleeper Buses With 39 Berths

The buses operating on the route will feature 39 sleeper berths, along with AC, reading lights and passenger charging points. Fresh Bus says each berth will be provided with bedsheets, pillows and blankets, while passengers will also receive a snack box and water bottle.

Safety equipment listed for the buses includes fire extinguishers, emergency exits and hammers, CCTV cameras and speed-governed operations. The company also says alcohol checks will be conducted for captains.

Fresh Bus Plans Further Bengaluru–Hyderabad Routes

Fresh Bus currently operates 13 routes and has served 25.6 lakh passengers across its operations, according to the company. It plans to add more routes connecting Bengaluru and Hyderabad as it expands its electric intercity network. Tickets for the new service will be sold through the Fresh Bus app and website as well as leading online travel agencies.

The company says it currently has more than 80 buses operating across 18 routes. Its stated plans include expanding its electric intercity presence across South India and developing a scalable model for longer-distance electric bus operations.