Staff Writer
Vijayawada: Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group and a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, has inaugurated its state-of-the-art bus manufacturing facility near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The grand inauguration ceremony took place here, with Nara Lokesh, the Minister of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, and Human Resource Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh, officially opening the facility.
As a part of the event, Ashok Leyland, in collaboration with the Hinduja Group, handed over the keys of the Switch electric double-decker bus to the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The keys were received by Minister Nara Lokesh, symbolizing the shared vision of both the company and the state government towards fostering sustainable public transportation in Andhra Pradesh.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests, including M. Ram Prasad Reddy, Minister of Transport, Sports, and Youth Affairs; T. G. Bharath, Minister of Industries; V. Balashowry, Member of Parliament, Krishna District; Y. Venkata Roy, MLA, Gannavaram Constituency; Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman of Hinduja Group – India; and Shom Ashok Hinduja, President of Alternative Energy and Sustainability at Hinduja Group. The event also saw participation from dealers, customers, suppliers, and other key stakeholders from the industry.
Situated in Malavalli, approximately 40 kilometers from Vijayawada, the newly inaugurated manufacturing plant spans an extensive 75-acre area. Designed to integrate advanced manufacturing technologies, the facility adheres to global quality standards. The plant is equipped to manufacture a complete range of Ashok Leyland’s diesel buses as well as Switch Mobility’s electric buses. With an annual production capacity of 4,800 buses, the facility also features ‘Nalanda,’ a modern Learning Center, and an advanced Service Training Center aimed at skill development and workforce training.
The new plant is expected to contribute significantly to local employment generation and skill development. In line with Ashok Leyland’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the facility is designed as a green manufacturing unit. The plant incorporates several eco-friendly features, including rooftop solar panels, LED lighting, battery-operated vehicles for in-plant logistics, a positive water balance system, and a zero-discharge mechanism, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
During the ceremony, Minister Nara Lokesh emphasized the significance of this development for Andhra Pradesh. He remarked that the inauguration of Ashok Leyland’s manufacturing facility marks a momentous occasion for the state, further strengthening its position as a growing industrial hub. He highlighted that the plant would play a pivotal role in providing employment opportunities, fostering skill development, and contributing to the overall economic growth of Andhra Pradesh.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the launch, Mr. Dheeraj G. Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland, acknowledged the progressive industrial policies of the Andhra Pradesh government under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Chandrababu Naidu. He reiterated the Hinduja Group’s long-standing association with Andhra Pradesh and affirmed the group’s commitment to exploring further opportunities for economic growth and employment generation in the region. He emphasized that the new plant is a testament to Ashok Leyland’s dedication to strengthening its presence in the state while fostering long-term economic prosperity.
Adding to the discussion, Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO of Ashok Leyland, highlighted the company’s ambition to consolidate its position as the number one bus brand in India and one of the top five globally. He expressed confidence that the new plant would enhance Ashok Leyland’s ability to cater to the growing demand for fully built buses in India. He also noted that production at the facility had already commenced, and due to the company’s robust order book, operations at the plant would begin at full capacity from day one. Mr. Agarwal further elaborated that the facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology and high levels of automation, reinforcing Ashok Leyland’s commitment to delivering world-class products of superior quality.
The inauguration of this advanced manufacturing plant marks a significant milestone for Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja Group, strengthening their footprint in Andhra Pradesh. With its focus on innovation, sustainability, and economic development, the new facility is poised to make a substantial contribution to the state’s industrial growth while enhancing the company’s leadership in the commercial vehicle sector.