Rajmudra Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd. (RTTPL), part of the Raj Mudra Group, is one of the leading service providers of employee transportation in Pune. Established in 2001 by enterprising brothers and like-minded partners, the company, under the able leadership of Mr. M.N. Pachundkar, Group Chairman, and Mr. Dnyaneshwar Pachundkar, Director, has struck a chord with the corporates in Pune.
In fact, not only Pune but also most of the major cities in India, especially Tier-1 cities, have witnessed a surge in the demand for employee transportation in the last five years. The corporate employee transportation ecosystem is flourishing on the back of inconsistent and lack of public transportation system. In cities where there is some connectivity with buses and metro, the infrastructure is insufficient, uncomfortable, unsafe and erratic at most of the times, giving further fillip to corporate transportation.
In order to address these concerns and offer peace of mind to the employees, RTTPL ventured into the business of corporate transportation. “Beginning with one bus, ferrying employees in tempo traveler in 2001 between Vishrantwadi to Ranjangaon, we have grown to a fleet size of 175 buses in 2018. Today, we have become a trusted carrier to approximately 5,000 people every day,” informed Mr. Dnyaneshwar Pachundkar.
The company today boasts of enviable clients like Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd., Haier Appliance, Varroc Engineering, Fiat India, LG India, ITC, Jabil Circuit India, Zamil Steel Buildings, and Bekaert Industries India, amongst many others. “Economical rates, with a commitment to safety, top-notch service and comfort is what we strive for,” added the Director.
Maintaining excellence
Believing in the spirit of commitment to serve the customers best, the company presses in some fine buses from the stables of Eicher (Skyline Pro), Force Motors (Tempo Travelers), Tata Motors (Marcopolo), SUVs and luxury cars. “Given the fact that we cater to over 40 companies from varying sectors, right from IT to production to engineering to chemical industries, we need a mix of vehicles that meet varied and unique customer need. In fact, the inclusion of 35-40 Eicher buses in our fleet since 2014 have peaked our business. Comfortable driver seats, better pick-up and acceleration, on time service through Eicher’s private mechanics have ensured remarkable profitability for us,” said Mr. Pachundkar. Apart from the best OE-built vehicles, customization, if required any, to up the service level is also done.
He added: “We felt our service was the main point which drew clients to us. On time pick up, maintaining vehicles properly to ensure comfortable on route transit. Proper arm rest, cushion, curtaining, music system, water bottle holder, newspaper, mobile charging, wi-fi, proper cleaning, Harita pushback magnum seats, all window fans, air suspension, seat foot rest, first aid box, fire extinguisher, and digital clock, are some of the facilities we provide and maintain to enhance the overall customer experience.”
Rising indecent and criminal cases reported in media against women while they are travelling for work have raised concerns related to safe and secure commute of women employees. One of RTTPL clients, Jabil Circuit India, wanted a staff transporter for their 3,000 employee, most of which are female workers. “We have been working with them since 2008, and in the last 10 years we have ensured that women are safe in all the three shifts, starting from pick-up at 4 AM,” beamed Mr. Pachundkar.
Off the road
RTTPL also has its own vehicle maintenance center at Ranjangaon Pune. A check list covers routines of engine servicing, greasing, coolant filling and tyre replacements depending on the mileage that the bus has mustered. “Only once a bus passes all mandatory checks does it get a clean chit for its next corporate assignment. This is important in keeping the vehicles in good condition as well as ensures that the employees reach offices on time,” said Mr. Pachundkar. There is even readiness to handle breakdowns.
He added: “In an event of a breakdown, which cannot be handled by the driver or the resident mechanic, a spare bus is immediately pressed into service, ideally within 15-20 minutes.”
RTTPL also shows keen interest in its drivers. Drivers are given proper PF, training, insurance and medical facilities. “We have around 275 drivers and we set up a lot of activities for drivers, be it medical camps or safety training,” the Director said.
The tour operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction seems to be unwavering as the company’s turnover grew in double digit to nudge Rs. 26 crores during the last financial year. This growth, though impressive, may still be regarded as incremental, given the fact that the operator largely intends to stay within the staff transportation segment. “We believe in focusing and excelling in the tasks that we have undertaken. Anyways, as a group (Raj Mudra) we are into different verticals like logistics & transportation, polymers, tyre, polyplast, etc., and aim to cross around Rs. 1,000-crore turnover by 2020,” added Mr. Pachundkar.
Their transport vertical, Rajmudra Transport Pvt. Ltd., caters specifically to goods transport purposes. It has a strong fleet of trucks and containers used for both perishable and non-perishable goods. Employed with manufacturing industries, Rajmudra Transport handles long and short-distance deliveries. The company has Tata containers, Eicher, AL and Bharat Benz vehicles and currently provides transport services to 20 plus companies.