redBus released state-level insights from its first-of-a-kind redBus Pink Report during International Women’s Week. Based on internal data between 2019 and 2025, the report highlights a steady rise in women’s participation in intercity bus travel across Maharashtra.
Women travellers have grown by 96% in 2025, compared to 2019, outpacing the growth of overall travellers in Maharashtra. Women’s share of intercity bus travel accounts to 32% in 2025, up from 24% in 2019. The findings reflect how women’s mobility has evolved in the post-pandemic period, supported by greater digital adoption, strong intercity connectivity, and rising participation in education and the workforce.
Key highlights for Maharashtra
Women’s share of intercity bus travel in Maharashtra reached 32% in 2025, up from 24% in 2019.
Solo women travel increased by 56% compared to 2019, indicating a strong shift toward independent journeys.
31% of travellers undertaking journeys above 500 km are women, reflecting growing confidence in long-distance travel.
The 21–30 age group grew by 73% since 2019, with solo journeys in this segment rising by 49%.
These trends show that women’s travel in Maharashtra is becoming more frequent, long-distance, and increasingly independent.
Leadership perspective
Prakash Sangam, CEO, redBus commented: “Maharashtra continues to witness encouraging momentum in women’s intercity bus travel, while also being one of the largest markets for bus travel in India, reflecting a sustained shift in mobility patterns. Women’s travel in India today reflects more than just rising journeys; it signals a growing sense of independence. More women across India are choosing to travel on their own terms, for work, education, opportunity or leisure. At redBus, we are continuously strengthening features that build trust, from better visibility of bus ratings by women, to enhanced safety information and dedicated support systems. Our goal is to continue to make intercity travel more reliable, more accessible and more empowering for every woman in Maharashtra- whether she is travelling alone or leading a group. We believe mobility is freedom, and freedom should be seamless.”
