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Ashok Leyland, a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer and part of the Hinduja Group, has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art bus manufacturing plant near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Nara Lokesh, Minister of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, and Human Resource Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
As a part of the event, Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja Group handed over the keys of a Switch electric double-decker bus to the Andhra Pradesh government, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable public transportation. Minister Nara Lokesh received the bus on behalf of the state government.
The event witnessed the presence of several prominent dignitaries, including M Ram Prasad Reddy, Minister of Transport, Sports, and Youth Affairs; T. G. Bharath, Minister of Industries; V. Balashowry, MP, Krishna District; and Y Venkata Roy, MLA, Gannavaram Constituency. Also in attendance were Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman of Hinduja Group – India, and Shom Ashok Hinduja, President of Alternative Energy and Sustainability, Hinduja Group, along with company dealers, customers, and other key stakeholders.
Situated in Malavalli, 40 km from Vijayawada, the new plant spans 75 acres and is equipped with advanced manufacturing technologies. The facility has an annual production capacity of 4,800 buses, including both Ashok Leyland diesel buses and Switch Mobility electric buses.
To promote sustainability, the plant incorporates several green initiatives, such as rooftop solar panels, LED lighting, battery-operated logistics vehicles, positive water balance measures, and a zero-discharge system. Additionally, it houses a Learning Center and a Service Training Center to support skill development and operational efficiency.
Speaking at the event, Nara Lokesh emphasized that the new plant would play a crucial role in strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s industrial ecosystem, generating employment, and contributing to the local economy.
Dheeraj G. Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland, highlighted the company’s long-standing association with Andhra Pradesh and reiterated its commitment to exploring further opportunities in the region.
Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO of Ashok Leyland, stated that the plant would bolster Ashok Leyland’s position as India’s leading bus brand and among the top five globally. He also noted that production has already commenced, and the plant is expected to operate at full capacity immediately, driven by a strong order book.
The launch of this facility marks a significant milestone for Ashok Leyland, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth in the commercial vehicle sector.
