Ashok Leyland, a commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, has unveiled its GARUD 15M bus chassis at Prawaas 4.0, an event organised by the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI).
The GARUD 15M is described as India's first front engine multi-axle bus chassis. It is designed for long-distance intercity travel and offers 42 sleeper berths. The chassis has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 22,500 kg and includes features such as front wheel disc brakes, an electromagnetic retarder, and an optional full air suspension with anti-roll bar.
According to Ashok Leyland, the GARUD 15M aims to maximise per-trip revenue for bus operators. The company states that the commercial launch of the GARUD 15M is planned for Q4 FY25.
Prawaas 4.0, where the GARUD 15M was unveiled, is the fourth edition of an event focused on the public transport sector in India. The three-day event, held from August 29th to 31st at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) in Bengaluru, serves as a platform for industry stakeholders to discuss and showcase innovations in public transportation.
Prawaas, which translates to "travel" in Hindi, brings together various players in the bus and car operator ecosystem. The event typically features exhibitions of new vehicle models, technology solutions for public transport, and discussions on policy matters affecting the sector.
Key themes at Prawaas 4.0 include sustainable mobility solutions, advancements in electric and hybrid vehicles for public transport, digital technologies for improving passenger experience, and strategies for enhancing the efficiency of public transportation systems.
The event also provides a forum for operators, manufacturers, and policymakers to engage in dialogues about the future of public transport in India, addressing challenges such as urbanisation, environmental concerns, and the need for efficient and affordable mass transit solutions.
Prawaas 4.0 aims to contribute to the ongoing transformation of India's public transport landscape by facilitating knowledge sharing, business networking, and showcasing of cutting-edge technologies and vehicles like the GARUD 15M.