Ashok Leyland Ltd., the flagship company of Hinduja Group, keeps winning the hearts of Indian commuters by providing them the latest and safest bus technology. Despite tough competition in the bus segment, the company has been able to maintain its market leadership by supplying quality products with distinct features. No wonder then that the AL buses are the preferred choice of State transport undertakings (STUs).
Ashok Leyland has been a pioneer when it comes to introducing innovations in the bus segment – be it the double-decker or the vestibule buses, full air brakes or the concept of integral chassis. With a market share of 55 per cent, Ashok Leyland today is a clear leader in the country, and with exciting orders from major STUs already bagged and on the anvil, its market share is bound to increase.
The commercial vehicle segment could not escape the economic slowdown. But despite a 34 per cent fall in the CV industry, the bus segment dropped only 10 per cent – a clear indication of the sustaining demand levels in both the private and STU sectors.
Clearly, passenger transportation in the country is set for rapid changes. The Government, keen on reviving infrastructure in major cities, is looking at a sea-change in the way people travel in urban centres. Integral to this is the idea of ‘de-congesting’ cities and making them commuter-friendly through mass transportation. Coupled with this is a focus on longer, wider highways between major cities and, of course, the readiness of the passenger today to pay more for a comfortable journey.
Road ahead
After many years of stagnation, the bus segment is now set for a revival, thanks to the JNNURM. It is indeed like a breath of fresh air for the CV industry which is now in the grip of an economic slowdown. Through the scheme, the Government expects to augment 14,240 new buses in 53 cities. In addition there is a proposal for replacing 30,000 aged fleet of STUs.
The quantum of fleet addition apart, there is an underlying change in format too. With focus on better transport facilities for urbanization, there are many sub-sections being looked into: some of the buses are meant for running on dedicated lanes, and the service is called the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). These are low-floor, single-step entry, air-conditioned buses provided with the Global Positioning System.
Work related to fleet augmentation of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) in time for the prestigious Commonwealth Games to be held in the Capital is in progress. Ashok Leyland is currently executing an order for 875 ultra low entry (ULE) CNG buses to DTC. Also, the inter-city transport is currently being driven by the wider four-six lane National Highways which will enable higher powered, modern passenger comfort buses plying between cities.
Needless to say, Ashok Leyland is bound to benefit from the rapid changes happening in the sector, making its already strong position in the bus segment all the more robust. FESLF BS3 is the first front engine, semi low-floor bus in India with uniform floor level throughout the passenger saloon, and driver-controlled wide pneumatic doors. It offers wider door options in the front, middle and the rear. It is more convenient for senior citizens, women and children. Faster boarding and alighting results in reduction in time and a greater number of trips.
With air suspension at the rear and rubber ended suspension at the front for passenger ride comfort, it is available in fully-built diesel and CNG fuel modes. More than 2,500 buses are already in operation.
The vestibule bus BS3 is the ultimate solution to mass transportation of passengers, especially during city peak hours. Movement of passengers within the saloon is possible through the vestibule. The turning circle radius is the same as that of regular buses. Steerable rearmost axle ensures excellent manoeuvrability even on roads with restricted width and tight corners.
Basic product segmentation
Mini/Midi buses: These 25 to 40-seater buses are for operation as school buses, tourism and staff transport. STUs operate them on intra-city congested routes.
Medium duty buses (45 to 70-seater)
* Intercity: STU (Omni, ordinary, semi-deluxe, deluxe)
* Moffusil / stage carriage (ordinary)
* Intracity: Metro, Tier-2 cities
* Tourism (private operators and tourism development corporations)
* Institutional
* Special buses – double decker, vestibules, tarmac coaches
c) Floor height – classification for the purpose of bus
* E+0 (Entry level) – no steps, ULE
* E+1 – One step, semi-low floor (rear engine, RESLF)
* E+2 – Two steps, semi-low floor (front engine, FESLF)
* E+3 – Three steps
Emission norms
From the current standards of BSIII for select metros and BSII pan-India norms of BSIV select metros and BSIII pan-India coming into effect from April 2010. This calls for stricter emission norms, thereby asking for higher power engines and related driveline aggregates pushing up the overall cost. AL is geared up to handling this technology challenge.
Based on the need for developing alternate fuels and also carbon emission norms, AL has developed vehicles with engines running on bio-diesel fuel. The pilot batch of vehicles are in operation in select States.
Hybrid electric vehicle is the eco-friendly option for cities where CNG is not available, while the concept is yet to put in use. Hythane, a blend of natural gas and hydrogen, improves efficiency while retaining the emission characteristics of CNG. The company has developed with Eden Energy, Australia, a 6-cylinder, 6-litre, 92kW BS4 engine for operation with hythane.
AL was the first to manufacture CNG buses. The first CNG-run bus in the country hit the roads of Mumbai in 1997 through BEST. Following the SC order to shift to CNG by April 2001, today more than 6,000 CNG-powered Ashok Leyland buses ply in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Vijayawada.
India’s first multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) for high capacity CNG engine was also developed by the company in 2008.
IV trends
* Integral bus body construction – better NVH characteristics, durable structure
* Multiaxle – high HP vehicles, Increased payload and carrying capacity.
* Vanity coaches – personalised coaches for film stars, corporate, caravan
* Twin levels of comfort in same bus: separate luxury section and section with ‘normal’ comfort
Air suspension is for better ride comfort, while anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps avoid skidding at high speeds / slippery roads. Retarders for effective braking of high speed vehicles, gear box (automated manual transmission and fully automatic transmission) sleeper coaches and chemical toilets are in keeping with the modern trends.
Urban trends
There is the multimodal transport, wherein metros are linked with bus transport for ease of passenger flow and connectivity. The Urban Municipal Transport Policy is being framed to handle Mass Rapid Transit System. BRTS, on the other hand, is similar to the concept popular in South America. The Government has taken the initiative in allotting dedicated bus corridors for speedy movement of passenger buses in high density areas (mainly metros).
While this calls for a total change in the existing lanes, BRTS is likely to reduce congestion when implemented fully. It is also expected to reduce pollution through reduction of usage of private vehicles.
With 50 per cent more length and about 100 per cent more passenger carrying capacity, vestibule buses (road train) simply ‘sweep’ off passengers in high density locations like Govt. secretariats, SEZs, etc.
Meanwhile, higher powered engines incorporating Common rail system (CRS) will be introduced shortly. JNNURM is a Government initiative aiming at encouraging reforms and fast track planned development of 63 identified cities. It is offering support for replacing buses in these cities in the first phase (15,000 units) which is under implementation. The scheme will be extended to further cities in due course covering additional 30,000 buses (replacement of overaged buses).
FE SLF buses
* First Front Engine, Semi Low floor Bus in India (starting off with 644 nos World Bank order for BEST)
* Uniform floor level throughout the passenger saloon
* Driver controlled wide pneumatic doors
* Wider Door options in Front, Middle and Rear
* More convenient for senior citizens / women and children.
* Faster boarding / alighting resulting in reduction in time / more number of trips.
* Air suspension at the rear and rubber ended suspension at the front for Passenger ride comfort
* Available in Fully built; both Diesel & CNG fuel mode
* More than 2,500 buses are already in operation
RESLF buses: 240 KSRTC + 110 in UP
* Ease of entry
Vestibule bus BS3
* Ultimate solution to the needs of mass transportation of passengers especially during city peak hours
* Movement of passenger within the saloon possible through vestibule
* Turning circle radius same as that of regular buses, steerable rear most axle ensure excellent maneuverability even on roads with restricted width and in tight corners
Tarmac coaches
* Transportation of passengers to-and-fro from terminal
* First to offer Front Engine Low Floor bus having uniform floor height across the saloon
* Doors on both sides
Emerging opportunities
Similar to what Metro Rail did for Kolkata about 15 years ago, the DTC is planning to modernize the city transport. Coinciding with the Commonwealth Games slated for 2010, DTC has already ordered 2,000 buses (both air-conditioned and non-AC), apart from another 1,000 units likely to be added further. This new addition will be of Ultra-Low entry (ULE) buses powered by CNG fuel and will be adding up to the environment-friendly measures being taken up in the metros.
The contract is also unique in the way that the manufacturing companies will be supporting the backup support (sales and service) for 12 years of operation, thereby enabling DTC to focus on their core activities. A similar trend is expected in other major metro requirements.
To reduce investments, STUs have begun partnering with private operators through hire-permit schemes where the fully-built vehicle is owned by the private operator and is operated in STU permit routes. A large number of vehicles are in operation in Andhra and Karnataka, while the trend is likely to catch up in other cities.
The Intelligent Transport System (GPRS), known as ALERT was developed by Ashok Leyland at Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus which is arguably Asia’s largest bus station with a flow of almost 3,000 buses daily. The on-board unit on bus captures and transmits information to the satellite that gets captured for real time tracking and tracing. Information on location, speed, direction and two-way communication for the driver to get in touch with the control centre in case of breakdown are the striking features of the system. With exact information on arrival of buses, passengers can plan their trips, without having to wait.
A GPS- based bundle of telematics services for the commercial vehicle sector, Ashok Leyland’s ALERT offers services that include vehicle tracking and passenger information system. A host of applications like online advice to drivers on correct gear shifts, fuel pilferage monitoring, online diagnostics and prognostics, route optimization, telemetry and infotainment services are in the offing.
Ashok Leyland has been a pioneer when it comes to introducing innovations in the bus segment – be it the double-decker or the vestibule buses, full air brakes or the concept of integral chassis. With a market share of 55 per cent, Ashok Leyland today is a clear leader in the country, and with exciting orders from major STUs already bagged and on the anvil, its market share is bound to increase.
The commercial vehicle segment could not escape the economic slowdown. But despite a 34 per cent fall in the CV industry, the bus segment dropped only 10 per cent – a clear indication of the sustaining demand levels in both the private and STU sectors.
Clearly, passenger transportation in the country is set for rapid changes. The Government, keen on reviving infrastructure in major cities, is looking at a sea-change in the way people travel in urban centres. Integral to this is the idea of ‘de-congesting’ cities and making them commuter-friendly through mass transportation. Coupled with this is a focus on longer, wider highways between major cities and, of course, the readiness of the passenger today to pay more for a comfortable journey.
Road ahead After many years of stagnation, the bus segment is now set for a revival, thanks to the JNNURM. It is indeed like a breath of fresh air for the CV industry which is now in the grip of an economic slowdown. Through the scheme, the Government expects to augment 14,240 new buses in 53 cities. In addition there is a proposal for replacing 30,000 aged fleet of STUs.
The quantum of fleet addition apart, there is an underlying change in format too. With focus on better transport facilities for urbanization, there are many sub-sections being looked into: some of the buses are meant for running on dedicated lanes, and the service is called the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). These are low-floor, single-step entry, air-conditioned buses provided with the Global Positioning System.
Work related to fleet augmentation of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) in time for the prestigious Commonwealth Games to be held in the Capital is in progress. Ashok Leyland is currently executing an order for 875 ultra low entry (ULE) CNG buses to DTC. Also, the inter-city transport is currently being driven by the wider four-six lane National Highways which will enable higher powered, modern passenger comfort buses plying between cities.
Needless to say, Ashok Leyland is bound to benefit from the rapid changes happening in the sector, making its already strong position in the bus segment all the more robust. FESLF BS3 is the first front engine, semi low-floor bus in India with uniform floor level throughout the passenger saloon, and driver-controlled wide pneumatic doors. It offers wider door options in the front, middle and the rear. It is more convenient for senior citizens, women and children. Faster boarding and alighting results in reduction in time and a greater number of trips.
With air suspension at the rear and rubber ended suspension at the front for passenger ride comfort, it is available in fully-built diesel and CNG fuel modes. More than 2,500 buses are already in operation.
The vestibule bus BS3 is the ultimate solution to mass transportation of passengers, especially during city peak hours. Movement of passengers within the saloon is possible through the vestibule. The turning circle radius is the same as that of regular buses. Steerable rearmost axle ensures excellent manoeuvrability even on roads with restricted width and tight corners.Basic product segmentation
Mini/Midi buses: These 25 to 40-seater buses are for operation as school buses, tourism and staff transport. STUs operate them on intra-city congested routes.
Medium duty buses (45 to 70-seater)
* Intercity: STU (Omni, ordinary, semi-deluxe, deluxe)
* Moffusil / stage carriage (ordinary)
* Intracity: Metro, Tier-2 cities
* Tourism (private operators and tourism development corporations)
* Institutional
* Special buses – double decker, vestibules, tarmac coaches
c) Floor height – classification for the purpose of bus
* E+0 (Entry level) – no steps, ULE
* E+1 – One step, semi-low floor (rear engine, RESLF)
* E+2 – Two steps, semi-low floor (front engine, FESLF)
* E+3 – Three steps
Emission norms
From the current standards of BSIII for select metros and BSII pan-India norms of BSIV select metros and BSIII pan-India coming into effect from April 2010. This calls for stricter emission norms, thereby asking for higher power engines and related driveline aggregates pushing up the overall cost. AL is geared up to handling this technology challenge.
Based on the need for developing alternate fuels and also carbon emission norms, AL has developed vehicles with engines running on bio-diesel fuel. The pilot batch of vehicles are in operation in select States.
Hybrid electric vehicle is the eco-friendly option for cities where CNG is not available, while the concept is yet to put in use. Hythane, a blend of natural gas and hydrogen, improves efficiency while retaining the emission characteristics of CNG. The company has developed with Eden Energy, Australia, a 6-cylinder, 6-litre, 92kW BS4 engine for operation with hythane.
AL was the first to manufacture CNG buses. The first CNG-run bus in the country hit the roads of Mumbai in 1997 through BEST. Following the SC order to shift to CNG by April 2001, today more than 6,000 CNG-powered Ashok Leyland buses ply in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Vijayawada.
India’s first multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) for high capacity CNG engine was also developed by the company in 2008.
IV trends
* Integral bus body construction – better NVH characteristics, durable structure
* Multiaxle – high HP vehicles, Increased payload and carrying capacity.
* Vanity coaches – personalised coaches for film stars, corporate, caravan
* Twin levels of comfort in same bus: separate luxury section and section with ‘normal’ comfort
Air suspension is for better ride comfort, while anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps avoid skidding at high speeds / slippery roads. Retarders for effective braking of high speed vehicles, gear box (automated manual transmission and fully automatic transmission) sleeper coaches and chemical toilets are in keeping with the modern trends.
Urban trends
There is the multimodal transport, wherein metros are linked with bus transport for ease of passenger flow and connectivity. The Urban Municipal Transport Policy is being framed to handle Mass Rapid Transit System. BRTS, on the other hand, is similar to the concept popular in South America. The Government has taken the initiative in allotting dedicated bus corridors for speedy movement of passenger buses in high density areas (mainly metros).
While this calls for a total change in the existing lanes, BRTS is likely to reduce congestion when implemented fully. It is also expected to reduce pollution through reduction of usage of private vehicles.
With 50 per cent more length and about 100 per cent more passenger carrying capacity, vestibule buses (road train) simply ‘sweep’ off passengers in high density locations like Govt. secretariats, SEZs, etc.
Meanwhile, higher powered engines incorporating Common rail system (CRS) will be introduced shortly. JNNURM is a Government initiative aiming at encouraging reforms and fast track planned development of 63 identified cities. It is offering support for replacing buses in these cities in the first phase (15,000 units) which is under implementation. The scheme will be extended to further cities in due course covering additional 30,000 buses (replacement of overaged buses).
FE SLF buses
* First Front Engine, Semi Low floor Bus in India (starting off with 644 nos World Bank order for BEST)
* Uniform floor level throughout the passenger saloon
* Driver controlled wide pneumatic doors
* Wider Door options in Front, Middle and Rear
* More convenient for senior citizens / women and children.
* Faster boarding / alighting resulting in reduction in time / more number of trips.
* Air suspension at the rear and rubber ended suspension at the front for Passenger ride comfort
* Available in Fully built; both Diesel & CNG fuel mode
* More than 2,500 buses are already in operation
RESLF buses: 240 KSRTC + 110 in UP
* Ease of entry
Vestibule bus BS3
* Ultimate solution to the needs of mass transportation of passengers especially during city peak hours
* Movement of passenger within the saloon possible through vestibule
* Turning circle radius same as that of regular buses, steerable rear most axle ensure excellent maneuverability even on roads with restricted width and in tight corners
Tarmac coaches
* Transportation of passengers to-and-fro from terminal
* First to offer Front Engine Low Floor bus having uniform floor height across the saloon
* Doors on both sides
Emerging opportunities
Similar to what Metro Rail did for Kolkata about 15 years ago, the DTC is planning to modernize the city transport. Coinciding with the Commonwealth Games slated for 2010, DTC has already ordered 2,000 buses (both air-conditioned and non-AC), apart from another 1,000 units likely to be added further. This new addition will be of Ultra-Low entry (ULE) buses powered by CNG fuel and will be adding up to the environment-friendly measures being taken up in the metros.
The contract is also unique in the way that the manufacturing companies will be supporting the backup support (sales and service) for 12 years of operation, thereby enabling DTC to focus on their core activities. A similar trend is expected in other major metro requirements.
To reduce investments, STUs have begun partnering with private operators through hire-permit schemes where the fully-built vehicle is owned by the private operator and is operated in STU permit routes. A large number of vehicles are in operation in Andhra and Karnataka, while the trend is likely to catch up in other cities.
The Intelligent Transport System (GPRS), known as ALERT was developed by Ashok Leyland at Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus which is arguably Asia’s largest bus station with a flow of almost 3,000 buses daily. The on-board unit on bus captures and transmits information to the satellite that gets captured for real time tracking and tracing. Information on location, speed, direction and two-way communication for the driver to get in touch with the control centre in case of breakdown are the striking features of the system. With exact information on arrival of buses, passengers can plan their trips, without having to wait.
A GPS- based bundle of telematics services for the commercial vehicle sector, Ashok Leyland’s ALERT offers services that include vehicle tracking and passenger information system. A host of applications like online advice to drivers on correct gear shifts, fuel pilferage monitoring, online diagnostics and prognostics, route optimization, telemetry and infotainment services are in the offing.
In the emerging scenario, Ashok Leyland as a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles and buses, is equipping itself to face the challenges within and without.
