Surya Khurana, Managing Director of FlixBus India, revealed the company’s ambitious plans to expand its network, aiming to double its current reach by 2025. Khurana emphasized the launch of a star network connecting Delhi to nine destinations across 46 cities, with further plans to extend operations to the southern region of India within the next year.
Highlighting the demand for corporate and leisure travel in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, Khurana outlined FlixBus’s strategic expansion goals to tap into these markets.
Currently, FlixBus operates close to 6,000 active buses globally and connects Delhi with nine cities, including Lucknow, Dehradun, and Varanasi. Khurana expressed optimism about the growth potential of bus transportation in India, fueled by enhanced road infrastructure and digital payment methods.
With a focus on the air-conditioned sleeper segment, FlixBus aims to capitalize on its popularity while also expanding the air-conditioned seater category. Khurana emphasized India’s vast bus market potential and the absence of a unified national brand, positioning FlixBus to fill this gap.
Established in Munich in 2011, FlixBus operates in 43 countries worldwide, leveraging third-party bus operators to expand its network. The company’s latest financial results for 2023 reported significant revenue growth, reflecting its global expansion strategy.
André Schwämmlein, co-founder and CEO of Flix, underscored the company’s commitment to sustainable and affordable travel, driven by its tech foundation. In India, FlixBus has established its hub at Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate bus depot and offers various amenities to enhance passenger experience.
While considering the introduction of Wi-Fi services onboard, FlixBus currently provides amenities such as charging points, gender seating, and a 24×7 incident response team. The company’s expansion plans align with the findings of a report by IAMAI and Grant Thornton Bharat, highlighting the growth potential of state transport undertakings and private buses in key markets across India.
