Staff Writer
Bhopal: Eicher Trucks & Buses, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles, announced the rollout of its 50,000th fully factory-built bus from its state-of-the-art Baggad Plant in Madhya Pradesh. The milestone vehicle is an Eicher Skyline Pro E electric bus, reflecting the unwavering commitment of the Baggad factory to cater to the rapidly modernizing Indian public transport segment.
Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VECV, stated, “We take immense pride in reaching this milestone. VECV has consistently remained ahead of the curve with significant advancements that offer best-in-class products across segments and compliant with all regulatory norms. This milestone further underscores our dedication to shape the future of the Indian bus industry. We extend our gratitude to our dedicated team, esteemed customers and channel partners for their unwavering support and making this achievement possible.”
Inaugurated in 2013, and situated across 43 acres in Baggad, Madhya Pradesh the award-winning factory manufactures a diverse range of buses, including light, medium, and heavy-duty variants in diesel, CNG, and electric drivelines. Further this plant takes care of domestic and International markets catering to school, staff, Route Permit, Intercity & Tourist segments. VECV’s Bus Plant is also equipped with advanced robotic paint systems and certified for Integrated Management Systems, that exemplifies Eicher’s dedication to efficiency, quality, and environmental stewardship.
Eicher has undertaken a robust sustainability initiative in its manufacturing operations, centered on environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Among these initiatives, energy management systems have been implemented that utilize advanced energy monitoring and management systems such as VFD (Variable Frequency Drive)-enabled panels and energy-efficient motors to optimize energy use and reduce wastage. Eicher has also adopted strategies to achieve zero waste by reducing packaging waste and implementing safe disposal practices for hazardous materials. The Eicher plant operates on 42% renewable energy sources such as solar and mini-hydel, reflecting a proactive approach towards minimizing the environmental footprint. The plant was certified as Platinum Green Factory building by IGBC in 2016 and awarded Smart Factory of the Year in 2021.
Looking ahead, Eicher Trucks and Buses remains committed to advancing alternative fuel technologies such as CNG, LNG, and HCNG (hydrogen compressed natural gas), alongside its electric vehicle initiatives. The 50,000th bus, a Skyline Pro-E 9m model, embodies Eicher’s latest advancements in electric vehicle technology. Designed for urban environments, it integrates high-energy storing batteries and a reliable all-electric driveline, ensuring efficiency, cleanliness, and silent operation. Safety and comfort features have been prioritized to enhance the passenger experience and meet stringent regulatory standards.