As the Mahakumbh approached, thousands of devotees and travelers, including myself, embarked on pilgrimages to Prayagraj for the sacred Holi dip on February 15, 2025. My journey began on February 14, with high hopes and a ticket for the 7:45 PM Intrcity bus from Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate to Bela Kachar Bus Parking in Prayagraj. Little did I know that this trip would turn into a tale of discomfort and disappointment.
The first red flag was the condition of the bus itself. For a service that charges ₹2,700 per person, one would expect a certain standard of cleanliness and hygiene. Unfortunately, the bus was far from clean. The washroom, a basic necessity for a 12-hour journey, was in a deplorable state—no water, no maintenance, and an unbearable stench. It was clear that no effort had been made to ensure even the most basic facilities were functional.
As the night wore on, the driver made an unscheduled stop at a hotel that was not part of the travel plan. The hotel was unmaintained, to say the least. The washrooms lacked even a basic kundi, and there was no water available. The food served was unhygienic, leaving travelers wary of consuming anything. For a service that prides itself on being a premium option, this was a far cry from what passengers deserved.
The experience left me questioning the standards of Intrcity buses. Why should travelers pay a premium price for subpar services? Why are basic amenities like clean washrooms and hygienic food overlooked? These are questions I would like to direct to Mr. Manish Rathi, the Founder and CEO of Intrcity. What steps is the company taking to ensure that passengers receive the quality of service they pay for?
Travelers often choose Intrcity over other bus services because of its reputation for comfort and reliability. However, my experience has made me reconsider this preference. If Intrcity wishes to maintain its position as a leader in the intercity travel space, it must address these issues urgently. Cleanliness, hygiene, and adherence to travel plans are not luxuries—they are basic expectations that every traveler deserves.
As I finally reached Prayagraj, the spiritual significance of the Mahakumbh helped me momentarily forget the ordeal. But the memory of that journey lingers, a stark reminder that the road to a seamless travel experience is still long and winding.
To my fellow travelers, I urge you to demand better. And to Intrcity, I hope this serves as a wake-up call. After all, a journey is not just about reaching the destination—it’s about the experience along the way.
By Deeksha Gautam, Executive Editor, Travel World Online
