Tirupati: Fresh Bus, a new-age intercity EV bus service, received an esteemed honor as Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, flagged off its electric fleet in an event in Tirupati today. This momentous occasion marks a significant step towards providing a futuristic alternative for convenient, affordable, and environment-friendly inter-city bus travel in India. Fresh Bus, already operational on the Bengaluru-Tirupati route at a fare of Rs 399 per seat, has been delivering a premium and eco-friendly bus travel experience to its passengers. The company will also commence services for the Hyderabad-Vijayawada route later this month.
Fresh Bus coaches prioritize customer satisfaction, safety, and convenience, offering plush seating with a 45° recline, personal charging docks, Wi-Fi connectivity, and real-time tracking. The drivers undergo strict vetting, including alcohol and drug testing, with regular training and quality checks. The buses feature advanced safety measures like regenerative braking, temperature sensors, CCTV surveillance, medical kits, fire extinguishers, and a dedicated pink seat feature for female travelers, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all passengers. With the ability to charge from 0 to 100% within 2 hours, Fresh Bus electric fleet can travel up to 400 km at a maximum speed of 90 km per hour.
Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, during his address at the event said, “The arrival of electric buses will lead to a decrease in pollution and enable us to lessen our dependence on importing diesel and crude oil. This initiative is a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions. Fresh Bus’s focus on customer experience, safety, and innovation is commendable, and I am confident that their electric fleet will contribute to a greener and more efficient future for inter-city travel in India.”
Speaking on the occasion Sudhakar Reddy Chirra, Founder of Fresh Bus said, “I sincerely thank Honorable Minister Nitin Gadkari for his commitment to promoting clean energy solutions for the betterment of the country. Fresh Bus represents a pioneering move towards a greener India. Our electric buses are equipped with cutting-edge technology that not only enhances passenger comfort but also upholds stringent quality standards. By eliminating tailpipe emissions, these buses contribute significantly to reducing air pollution and improving the overall quality of life for citizens. A single FreshBus will save over 90,000 liters of diesel and reduce close to 200 tonnes of CO2 emissions in a span of one year. That is equivalent to the effect of almost 10,000 trees on the environment!”
Fresh Bus has plans to expand its services in the next phase, targeting the top 100 routes in India, including routes connecting Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Pune, and other major cities.
