Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group and a key player in India’s commercial vehicle sector, has received an order for 1,937 buses from the Tamil Nadu State Transport Undertakings (TNSTU). This significant deal further cements the company’s strong relationship with TNSTU and reinforces its leadership in the country’s public transport segment.
Ashok Leyland remains the preferred bus manufacturer for Tamil Nadu’s public transport agencies, with over 21,000 buses already operating within TNSTU’s extensive fleet. The new order includes a mix of fully built buses and chassis, customized for urban, intercity (mofussil), and State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) operations.
All buses will feature the company’s iGen6 BS VI advanced technology and will be built on the AIS 153-compliant chassis, designed to meet the latest safety, emission, and performance standards. These vehicles are engineered for enhanced ride quality, structural strength, and operational reliability, catering to the growing expectations of public transport passengers.
“This order reflects the deep trust our partners place in Ashok Leyland’s products and technology,” said Madhavi Deshmukh, National Sales Head – MHCV, Ashok Leyland. “Tamil Nadu continues to be a vital market for us, and we are proud to support the state’s efforts in strengthening its public transport network. Our buses are designed to deliver not just performance, but also safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort.”
Mohan K, Head – Bus, MHCV, Ashok Leyland, added “We are honored to play a role in the modernization of Tamil Nadu’s transport system. These buses are equipped with the latest features in safety and comfort, and our commitment remains focused on providing dependable, sustainable mobility solutions.”
The newly introduced Viking and SETC bus models have been thoughtfully engineered to deliver a safer, more comfortable, and accessible travel experience. Designed for high-speed operations, these buses come equipped with Electronic Stability Control, significantly enhancing road safety. To support modern transport systems, they feature advanced battery and alternator setups capable of powering on-board technology and Intelligent Transport Management Systems (ITMS), ensuring smoother fleet operations and better commuter services.
Comfort and accessibility are central to the design of these models. Air suspension systems paired with low floor heights of 650mm make boarding and alighting easier for all passengers, while also improving ride quality. Automatic transmission reduces driver fatigue, particularly in urban traffic conditions, and wheelchair ramps are integrated to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges—making these buses inclusive and aligned with modern public transport standards. These buses are designed to support the evolving needs of public transport, with a strong focus on passenger accessibility, driver ergonomics, and sustainable urban mobility.
As India’s largest bus manufacturer and the fourth largest globally, Ashok Leyland continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of public transport, both at home and abroad. This new order from TNSTU further strengthens the company’s leadership and commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction in the mass mobility space.
