Book
India On The Move:
Stories of people driving the bus sector
Anannya Jha, Krishna Khanna, Himani Jain, and T. Surya Kiran
September 2025 | Sustainable Mobility
Suggested Citation: Jha, Anannya, Krishna Khanna, and Himani Jain. 2025. India On The Move: Stories of people driving the bus sector. New Delhi: Council on Energy, Environment and Water; Association of State Road Transport Undertakings
Overview
From cradle to old age, buses remain at the heart of India’s journey, a timeless companion woven into the fabric of our independence and our future. Looking ahead, as India approaches its centenary in 2047, buses are projected to serve nearly one-fourth of the nation’s population—about 450 million people daily. As buses continue to serve as a vital lifeline for children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and millions from all walks of life, it is important to recognize the countless dedicated individuals working behind the scenes.
From drivers and conductors to technicians, maintenance teams, and support staff, their efforts ensure the smooth operation of bus services that connect places and people every day - while generating livelihoods for over 10.1 million individuals across the country. More than just vehicles, buses are lifelines that connect generations, empower communities, and remain an enduring part of India’s journey.
1. The Role of Buses in Daily Life
Nearly 39.8 crore people in India rely on buses for their daily commute every day, making them the backbone of public transport. Beyond work and education, buses support leisure travel, emergency medical services, mobile libraries, and even innovative uses like food buses and tourist transport. With affordable fares, special concessions for women, seniors, and students, and increasing accessibility for persons with disabilities, buses remain the most inclusive and dependable mode of transport for millions.
As India modernizes, this sector is rapidly transitioning toward cleaner, greener, and smarter mobility solutions, shaping the country’s journey toward a sustainable and connected future.
2. The Bus Story in India
India has the third-largest bus market in the world, valued at USD 11.8 billion and projected to grow significantly by 2026. Each year, over 1,00,000 new buses join the fleet, with electric bus adoption witnessing rapid growth—recording a 65% CAGR and creating millions of green jobs in manufacturing, operations, and maintenance.
Government initiatives such as the National Electric Bus Programme and private sector investments are accelerating the shift to e-buses, making public transport cleaner, safer, and more sustainable. With India emerging as the world’s second-largest e-bus exporter, the sector is also strengthening the nation’s ‘Make in India’ vision and net-zero goals.
3. Stories of the People Behind the Wheels
Behind every bus journey are the drivers, conductors, technicians, maintenance crews, cleaning staff and operations staff who keep this vast system moving. Their illustrative summary book reflects the story, dedication and their importance in keeping the wheels to move:
- Drivers like Sumitra Kumari and Vibha Kumari, who embraced electric buses, highlight how technology is opening doors for women in traditionally male-dominated roles.
- Conductors ensure passenger safety, assist commuters, and keep operations running seamlessly.
- Technicians and maintenance staff work tirelessly to keep buses safe, charged, and road-ready every day.
- Depot and control room teams manage schedules, track real-time operations, and coordinate emergency responses.
These are the unsung heroes who ensure millions can travel safely, comfortably, and on time.
As India marches toward 2047, buses will continue to serve as more than just vehicles—they will remain lifelines connecting nearly 450 million people daily, empowering communities, creating livelihoods for nearly 10.1 million, and driving the nation toward a cleaner, more inclusive future. This photobook celebrates the people, stories, and spirit that keep India moving, one bus at a time.
“A bus is far more than a means of transport—it is a lifeline that connects communities, empowers livelihoods, and inspires hope across India. The rise of electric buses marks a new era of cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive mobility, but it is the dedicated teams—drivers, conductors, technicians, maintenance and operations staff—who make every journey possible and keep our nation moving forward, one trip at a time.”
