Volvo Bus India has reached a significant milestone by securing an order for 122 premium luxury coaches in the state of Odisha. The order, placed under the Location Accessible Multi-modal Initiative (LAccMI) Scheme, a flagship program of the Government of Odisha’s Commerce & Transport (C&T) Department, aims to enhance passenger road transport connectivity.
Reflecting the visionary approach of the Odisha government, the LAccMI Scheme seeks to elevate the state’s public transportation infrastructure through the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC). The Volvo 9600 Buses, known as Jagannath Express & Laxmi Express, will connect major districts and business hubs to the state capital, Bhubaneswar, and Jagannath Dham Puri. The buses, equipped with pushback Luxury Seater, Semi-sleeper, and Sleeper configurations, represent a global state-of-the-art transportation solution.
Vinod Aggarwal, MD and CEO of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., expressed his honor at being selected as the preferred partner for this landmark initiative by OSRTC and the Government of Odisha. He stated, “Over the past 25 years, Volvo Bus India has provided state-of-the-art, sustainable mobility solutions, and this order further solidifies our commitment to the citizens of Odisha.”
Diptesh Kumar Pattnayak, IPS, MD of OSRTC, emphasised the collaboration between Volvo Bus India and OSRTC as a testament to the shared vision of creating a modern, efficient, and sustainable public transportation network. He highlighted the initiative’s long-lasting impact on government efforts to transform transportation infrastructure and contribute to socio-economic development in rural and urban areas, stressing its importance for the protection and promotion of Jagannath culture in every village of Odisha.
Suresh Chettiar, Senior Vice President of Volvo Bus India, concluded that the premium luxury coaches ordered under the LAccMI Scheme would enhance the public transportation system in Odisha and serve Indian and international tourists visiting the state and devotees visiting Jagannath Dham, Puri. He noted that Volvo 9600 buses with Integrated bus body design are Made-in-India at the state-of-the-art Volvo Bus India facility in Hosakote, Bangalore.
Manufactured at the Volvo Bus India facility in Hosakote, Bangalore, the Volvo 9600 coaches are powered by the tried and tested Volvo D8K (8-litre) engine. This fuel-efficient engine, coupled with a purpose-developed drivetrain, is designed to minimize the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and maximize uptime for bus operators. The coaches, compliant with AIS 119 standards, feature safety measures like Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Electronic Disc Brakes, and Fire Detection & Suppression System (FDSS) for engine and passenger areas, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for passengers.