SmartBus.AQI features built-in purification systems to tackle in-cabin pollution on long-distance routes across North India.
20 Nov 2025 | 2408 Views | By Shristi Ohri
IntrCity SmartBus has introduced its first fleet of air-purified buses, addressing concerns about air quality in long-distance travel. The new SmartBus.AQI service integrates continuous air purification and monitoring systems designed to filter pollutants during passenger journeys.
The initiative follows air-quality tests conducted by IntrCity across multiple routes, which revealed ...
This is an Autocar Pro Plus article. Subscribe to continue reading.
IntrCity SmartBus has introduced its first fleet of air-purified buses, addressing concerns about air quality in long-distance travel. The new SmartBus.AQI service integrates continuous air purification and monitoring systems designed to filter pollutants during passenger journeys.
The initiative follows air-quality tests conducted by IntrCity across multiple routes, which revealed that in-cabin pollution levels were two to three times higher than World Health Organization safe limits. To address this, the company partnered with Respirer Living Sciences, a ClimateTech firm specializing in air-quality intelligence and clean-air systems.
The buses are equipped with filtration technology that targets PM2.5 particles, carbon dioxide, dust, smoke, and other harmful substances. During pilot runs, PM2.5 levels were maintained at around 15 micrograms per cubic meter for over 90 percent of travel time, aligning with WHO's recommended safe limit for 24-hour periods.
Passengers can access real-time air quality index and PM2.5 data both onboard and through the IntrCity app. The technology was developed in partnership with Respirer Living Sciences, utilizing AI-powered monitoring and patent-pending demand-controlled energy-recovery filtration systems.
The initial rollout targets high-pollution routes across North India, including cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Katra, and Pathankot. Travelers can identify air-purified buses by the ".AQI" designation in the bus name when booking through the IntrCity app or website.
IntrCity SmartBus operates across more than 630 routes in 15 states. The company has previously introduced features including onboard washrooms, boarding lounges, and digital check-ins. A dedicated microsite has been launched to provide information about the air purification technology and its implementation.
Respirer Living Sciences, founded in 2017, operates over 3,500 air monitoring devices across more than 35 cities in India and internationally. The company provides air quality data to governments, businesses, and research institutions.