Mumbai-based Cityflo, a leading urban mobility platform, is set to revolutionise public bus transport in India. Komorebi Tech Solutions, Cityflo’s parent company, has joined hands with Globus Trans Solutions LLP to form a new joint venture, Urban Glide. This move marks a major step towards modernising the state government-run bus ecosystem with a focus on electric mobility and efficient operations.
Urban Glide: A New Era in Public Transport
Urban Glide brings together the expertise of two industry veterans. Victor Nagaonkar, who led operations at BEST for over forty years, and Sunil Solanki, known for his operational experience with PMPML, are at the helm of this venture. Their combined knowledge promises to deliver world-class standards in public bus services.
500 Electric Buses to Hit the Roads
Urban Glide will start its journey with 500 electric buses in its first year. The company aims to support India’s ambitious electric bus transition, which is already the largest in the world. Over 200,000 state-owned buses are being inducted into public-private operations under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. This model is opening up a Rs 1,00,000 crore annual opportunity and reshaping urban transit across the country.
The Gross Cost Contract Model: A Game Changer
The GCC model is a public-private partnership where private operators manage bus fleets and service delivery, while the government retains control over routes and fares. This approach has already proven successful in cities like Singapore and London, where it has led to reliable, high-frequency services. In India, the model is expected to bring similar improvements, with Urban Glide focusing on asset lifecycle management, professional operations, and data-driven optimisations.
Addressing Challenges in India’s Bus Ecosystem
For decades, India’s public bus system has struggled with funding shortages, old fleets, and inconsistent commuter experiences. Urban Glide aims to tackle these issues head-on. The venture will focus on:
- Modern electric buses for a cleaner commute
- Professional driver management and safety protocols
- Data-led route and cost optimisation
- Enhanced passenger experience with reliable services
First Phase: Mumbai Metropolitan Region
Urban Glide will take charge of its first 150 buses in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The company has plans to expand rapidly as more GCC contracts are awarded. The goal is to scale up operations across India, bringing clean, efficient, and comfortable public transport to millions.
Vision for the Future
Jerin Venad, CEO of Cityflo, calls this transition “one of urban India’s most consequential infrastructure shifts.” He believes that moving over 200 million people daily on zero-emission, well-run buses is not just an operational challenge but a generational opportunity. “Public transport is now getting its Jio moment,” Venad said, highlighting the scale and impact expected from this transformation.