Volvo Bus India has achieved 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.
The LAccMI Scheme, reflecting the visionary approach of the Odisha government, 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.
Speaking on the order Vinod Aggarwal, MD and CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., said, “We are honored to be selected as the preferred partner for this landmark initiative by OSRTC and the Government of Odisha. 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, OSRTC commented “The collaboration between Volvo Bus India and OSRTC for the deployment of Premium buses is a testament to the shared vision of creating a modern, efficient, and sustainable public transportation network. This will have a long-lasting impact on government initiatives that aim to transform transportation infrastructure and contribute to the socio-economic development in rural and urban areas. This is one of the important measures taken by Govt. of Odisha for the protection and promotion of Jagannath culture in every village of Odisha.”
Suresh Chettiar, Senior Vice President Volvo Bus India concluded, “The premium luxury coaches ordered under the LAccMI Scheme will not only enhance the public transportation system in Odisha but will also serve Indian and international tourists that visit this beautiful and historic state and devotees visiting Jagannath Dham, Puri. Volvo 9600 buses with Integrated bus body design are Made-in-India at the state-of-the-art Volvo Bus India facility at Hosakote, Bangalore.”
The Volvo 9600 coaches, manufactured at the Volvo Bus India facility in Hosakote, Bangalore, 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.
