At Prawaas 4.0, Ashok Leyland, India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer and the flagship of the Hinduja Group, unveiled the groundbreaking GARUD 15M bus chassis. This significant development was presented at the biennial event organized by the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI).
Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO of Ashok Leyland, expressed his excitement during the launch, stating, “Ashok Leyland has always been at the forefront of developing cost-effective technologies that benefit both customers and commuters. The unveiling of the GARUD 15M, India’s first front-engine multi-axle bus chassis designed to accommodate 42 sleeper berths, is a major milestone in bus chassis technology, delivering advanced engineering, comfort, and efficiency.”
Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV at Ashok Leyland, added, “With the launch of the GARUD 15M, we have expanded our product portfolio and set new benchmarks in India’s intercity travel sector. This chassis was designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers and provide an exceptional travel experience for passengers.”
The GARUD 15M, India’s first front-engine multi-axle bus chassis, was specifically designed for long-distance intercity travel, offering the largest saloon space in the Indian bus industry. Its best-in-class capacity of 42 sleeper berths aims to maximize per-trip revenue for operators, while its 22,500 kg GVW leads the category. The chassis also includes a spacious luggage compartment, making it ideal for extended journeys.
Safety and comfort were prioritized in the GARUD 15M, which features front-wheel disc brakes, an electromagnetic retarder, and optional full air suspension with an anti-roll bar. The driver experience was enhanced with a 3-way adjustable seat and an air-assisted hydraulic clutch with a cable shift gear mechanism, designed to provide smooth, fatigue-free driving across varied Indian road conditions. The commercial launch of GARUD 15M is scheduled for Q4 FY25.
Prawaas 4.0, held from August 29th to 31st at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), provided a platform for showcasing this innovative solution, with Ashok Leyland’s stall located at Hall 04, Stall No. 31A, inviting attendees to experience the future of intercity travel.
