Uber on Thursday announced plans to expand its intercity route network in India to 4,500 routes by the end of this calendar year, up from the current 3,000. The company achieved similar growth in calendar year 2025, increasing from 2,000 to over 3,000 routes—a 50% year-on-year rise.“At the end of calendar year 2024, Uber Intercity was present across 2,000 routes. Uber has increased the intercity routes by 50% to over 3,000, and hopes to grow at the same rate during the next year,” said Shweta Mantri, head of rider verticals, Uber India and South Asia.
Uber’s pilot program
Uber also launched a pilot program for Uber Intercity Motorhomes, offering a premium, long-distance travel experience. The service will be available from August 7 to September 6, and limited to trips originating from the Delhi-NCR region. On Thursday, Uber showcased two motorhomes, which can be booked via the existing Uber app. The company said it will scale up the fleet depending on customer demand.A motorhome is a specially designed vehicle for both travel and living, outfitted with beds, a bathroom, and a kitchen, making it ideal for comfortable long-distance journeys.
Each Uber motorhome seats 4 to 5 passengers and includes a driver and a helper. Onboard amenities include a television, lavatory, microwave, and mini-refrigerator. Uber expects demand to be strongest for short leisure trips between 300–500 kilometers, typically involving families or small groups of friends. With its convenience and comfort, the offering is aimed at travelers seeking a premium, hassle-free intercity experience.
The pilot will help Uber gauge interest in group travel using vehicles equipped with enhanced amenities, introducing a new dimension to its intercity services. Motorhome fares will be priced higher than Uber’s existing ‘XL’ category.
Currently, Uber operates in 125 cities across India, offering services ranging from moto, auto, and car rides to buses, and supporting a network of 1.4 million drivers.With the route expansion, Uber is looking to capture a greater share of the estimated $6 billion intercity travel market. Although the company has not disclosed its exact market share, it stated that it remains the leader in the segment.
Expert’s POV
However, industry experts caution that Uber still trails local fleet operators in overall intercity operations.“Local operators still hold a strong position in the intercity market. Although Uber and other app-based services have gained some share, the majority of intercity travelers continue to rely on local providers, especially inside tier-II and III cities,” said a sector expert.
Uber is banking on rising consumer spending on travel and tourism to grow its intercity business. The company has stated it will continue the motorhome service beyond the pilot only if there is sufficient demand. Notably, operators participating in the pilot will not be charged any commission.