Why bus infrastructure is the missing link in India’s mobility growth

India Must Build ‘Bus Ports’ for Private Operators, Says IntrCity SmartBus President Kapil Raizada.

India needs a dedicated push for private bus terminal infrastructure, similar to the policy focus given to airport development, said Kapil Raizada, co-founder and president of IntrCity SmartBus. He highlighted that many cities lack terminals for private bus operators, forcing them to rely on roadside boarding or overcrowded ISBTs, which directly impacts passenger convenience and safety. Raizada pointed out that state transport departments often view private operators as competition, resulting in limited government support for infrastructure. Southern states, he noted, have made relatively better progress by developing separate terminals for government and private buses. He also flagged challenges in adopting electric buses for long-haul inter-state travel, citing high costs, limited range, lower resale value, and OEMs prioritising government orders. IntrCity, which serves 7–8 lakh passengers monthly, recently raised ₹250 crore in Series D funding led by A91 Partners and plans to expand into Tier III and IV towns through a hub-and-spoke model.