In a major boost to intercity travel solutions, bp Ventures has invested $9 million in Zingbus, a Delhi-based technology-driven intercity bus platform, as part of the company’s Series A funding round. The platform aims to transform intercity bus services by providing advanced digital tools for fleet management, route optimisation, pricing, and ticketing.
India’s road network, the second largest globally, stretches across approximately 6.4 million kilometres, with an estimated 50 million people commuting between cities daily. Founded in 2019, Zingbus has already partnered with small and medium-sized bus operators, catering to over two million users across 300 cities. The platform seeks to address common challenges like service reliability, accessibility, and safety while improving operational efficiency.
Zingbus is also at the forefront of India’s transition to electric mobility, supporting traditional bus operators in shifting from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric buses (EVs). Co-founder and CEO Prashant Kumar emphasised the economic advantages of EVs over diesel buses, stating: “Our platform streamlines the transition to electric buses while addressing operational challenges, creating a scalable model for the future.” This aligns with the Indian government’s ambitious target to achieve a fully electric bus fleet by 2030.
In addition to securing funding, Zingbus has entered a commercial agreement with Jio-bp pulse, a joint venture between Reliance and bp. The partnership will enable Zingbus to utilise Jio-bp pulse’s extensive EV charging network, which includes urban charging hubs and highway fast-charging points. Jio-bp recently achieved a milestone with the installation of its 5,000th charging point, reinforcing its commitment to EV infrastructure.
Gareth Burns, Vice President of bp Ventures, described the investment as a step towards sustainable energy and mobility innovations. He highlighted the dual benefit of Zingbus’ platform for operators and passengers, offering reliable and cost-effective intercity travel solutions.
Kartikeya Dube, Head of Country at bp India, added that the partnership complements bp’s broader strategy to expand energy and mobility offerings in the country. “This collaboration supports the growth of electric vehicles while enabling us to provide a wide range of energy solutions to our customers,” Dube said. The investment underscores bp Ventures’ commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions, positioning Zingbus as a key player in India’s evolving mobility landscape.
