Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group and a leading manufacturer in India’s commercial vehicle industry, announced today that its subsidiary OHM Global Mobility has secured an order to supply 500 12-meter ultra-low-floor electric buses to the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), Chennai. This order, which includes both non-AC and AC buses, marks a significant step in Chennai’s transition towards sustainable public transportation.
OHM, Ashok Leyland’s electric mobility arm focused on the Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) model, will operate and maintain these buses for 12 years as per the contract terms. The buses, supplied by Switch Mobility, another Ashok Leyland subsidiary, will feature the advanced Switch EiV12 model. This partnership highlights Ashok Leyland’s growing presence in the bus segment and its commitment to promoting green urban mobility in India.
The fleet will consist of 400 non-air-conditioned and 100 air-conditioned buses, offering a comfortable travel experience for Chennai’s commuters. Each bus is designed to seat 37 passengers with additional space for 24 standing passengers. With a range of over 200 kilometers per charge, these buses are well-suited for Chennai’s extensive routes, ensuring consistent service across the city.
The ultra-low-floor design of the buses ensures easy boarding, enhancing passenger convenience and accessibility while reducing travel time. The Switch EiV12 features a robust 650V electric architecture and IP67-rated batteries for enhanced durability and safety. It is also equipped with a wheelchair ramp, making it fully accessible to differently-abled passengers. The model’s chassis-mounted batteries ensure a lower center of gravity, which improves stability and maneuverability in congested urban areas.
To support this fleet, Ashok Leyland and MTC will establish charging infrastructure at six key depots across Chennai, including Perumbur, Perumbakam, Poonamallee, Vyasarpadi, Thondiarpet, and KK Nagar. This network of charging hubs is expected to optimize the efficiency of operations, reduce downtime, and ensure uninterrupted service.
Commenting on this development, Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO of Ashok Leyland, stated, “We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and be a partner in their journey towards green public transportation. This new order underscores our dedication to producing highly efficient and technologically advanced products, driving the growth of public transportation in the country.”
With over 950 electric vehicles already in operation and a strong order book of more than 2,000 vehicles, this new contract further solidifies Ashok Leyland’s position as a leader in the Indian and global bus markets. The order reflects the company’s focus on delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the public transportation sector. Ashok Leyland is among the Top 5 largest bus manufacturers globally and holds the position of India’s largest bus manufacturer.
