AI-led dynamic pricing tools drive faster seat sales and lift margins for bus operators this Diwali season
Intercity bus travel during the Diwali season has recorded a sharp rise this year, with bookings up more than 45 per cent compared to 2024, according to new data from Sciative Solutions. The firm said that wider use of AI-led dynamic pricing tools has contributed to quicker seat sales and improved margins for operators.
The findings are based on bookings made between 17 and 19 October 2025. Demand on key long-distance routes rose significantly: Delhi–Varanasi bookings were up 51 per cent year-on-year, Mumbai–Indore up 46 per cent, and Bengaluru–Visakhapatnam up 43 per cent.
Sciative noted that last year several operators saw up to a tenfold rise in revenue during the festive period. For 2025, the analysis points to an 18–22 per cent increase in profit margins, aided by more precise fare adjustments and occupancy forecasting models.
“Festive travel in India is emotional, exciting, and increasingly data-driven. Our AI enables operators to make proactive, intelligent pricing decisions that ensure both affordability for passengers and profitability for businesses,” said Dr Anshu Jalora, Founder and Managing Director of Sciative Solutions.
The company’s agentic AI pricing engine, Viaje, uses predictive analytics to track booking pace, demand shifts and fare sensitivity. This has led to early fare changes and steadier booking flows, including on routes that traditionally see weaker festive demand.
On regional routes, Puri–Kolkata reported a 31 per cent advance occupancy rate, up from 22 per cent a year ago. Arunachalam–Hyderabad saw an 18 per cent rise in early bookings. Fares also climbed on high-demand routes, with Delhi–Varanasi averaging Rs 7,119 in the advance window, while a single-seat fare on Mumbai–Indore touched Rs 8,000.
“Viaje doesn’t just optimise revenue, it empowers operators to make confident, timely decisions. By detecting surges early and guiding price adjustments, operators can respond before it’s too late” Vijeta Soni, Co-founder and CEO, Sciative Solutions.
