With onboard washrooms available on more than 95% of its buses, IntrCity SmartBus is using bio-washroom technology to reduce water consumption, improve hygiene and streamline maintenance.
IntrCity SmartBus Focuses on Water Conservation
IntrCity SmartBus has announced an estimated annual saving of 3 crore litres of water through the use of bio-washroom technology across its intercity bus network. Announced on 21 October 2026, the initiative aims to improve onboard washroom facilities while reducing water consumption and addressing maintenance and waste-management challenges.
The company serves nearly 1 crore passengers annually, with journeys covering an average distance of around 600 km. It currently offers onboard washrooms across more than 95% of its buses, making the reliability and cleanliness of these facilities an important part of its long-distance travel services.
Bio-Washrooms Use Less Water Per Flush
According to IntrCity SmartBus, its bio-washrooms consume approximately 2 litres of water per flush, compared with around 4–5 litres for conventional toilets.
Based on an estimated average of one washroom use per passenger per journey, the technology saves approximately 3 litres of water per passenger. With nearly 1 crore passengers travelling on its buses annually, the company estimates that this could translate into savings of around 3 crore litres of water every year.
Manish Rathi, Co-founder and CEO of IntrCity SmartBus, said the company is working to make onboard washrooms more reliable while addressing the operational challenges associated with maintaining them across different routes. He added that reducing water consumption and improving facility functionality can support both passenger experience and resource efficiency.
Lower Water Consumption Could Simplify Maintenance
The technology is also intended to address operational requirements on long-distance routes. Lower water consumption can reduce the frequency of water replenishment, while the bio-washroom system supports more efficient waste management.
These improvements could help reduce the operational effort involved in maintaining onboard washrooms, particularly as the network expands.
Cleanliness, odour control, fresh-water consumption and waste disposal are among the challenges the company identified as it increased washroom availability across its buses.
Onboard Facilities Aim to Improve Passenger Convenience
Washrooms provide passengers with access to an essential facility during long-distance and overnight journeys, potentially reducing dependence on unplanned roadside stops.
IntrCity SmartBus said reliable onboard access can be particularly useful for women, senior citizens and families travelling with children, especially on routes where the availability and hygiene of roadside facilities may vary.
The bio-washroom initiative forms part of the company’s broader efforts to improve passenger amenities, safety, boarding infrastructure and operational processes. Its stated focus is to make intercity travel more organised, predictable and convenient through investments in technology and physical infrastructure.
IntrCity SmartBus Network Spans 850 Cities
IntrCity SmartBus operates an asset-less bus network offering standardised long-distance travel options across India. According to the company, its network covers more than 850 cities and 200 routes.
Its companion brand, RailYatri, provides digital train-ticket booking and travel information, serving more than 14 million users monthly.
The bio-washroom initiative adds to IntrCity SmartBus’ efforts to improve the passenger journey while making the infrastructure supporting long-distance travel more efficient.
