In an exclusive interaction with Rajesh Rajgor, Deepak Naik, M.D. of Sai Ganesh Tours & Travels, shared insights into the company’s three-decade journey in school and staff transportation. Established in 1992, Sai Ganesh safely transports over 20,000 students daily with a fleet of 1,200+ vehicles, primarily Eicher buses. A key driver of Sai Ganesh Tours & Travels’ growth has been its long-standing association with Eicher Buses, which has significantly influenced its fleet strategy and operational strength. Prioritizing safety, the company engages GPS tracking, CCTV, and lady attendants in the bus. Beyond schools, it serves corporate clients and operates 200 buses under a PPP model. With a strong focus on fleet maintenance and diversification into premium travel services, the company continues to set benchmarks in safe and efficient transportation.
Established in 1992, Sai Ganesh Tours & Travels has built a reputation as a trusted name in school transportation. Founded by Deepak Naik in Mumbai, the company has expanded its footprint across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, ensuring the safe commute of over 20,000 children daily. With 80% of its business dedicated to school transport, the company proudly serves esteemed institutions like the Podar Group of Schools and Ryan Group of Schools. “Our priority has always been the safety and comfort of students, and that has earned us the trust of parents and institutions alike,” says Deepak Naik, Managing Director of Sai Ganesh Tours & Travels.
From modest beginnings, Sai Ganesh Tours & Travels now operates a formidable fleet of over 1,200 vehicles, with 80% of its school transport segment comprising of Eicher buses. These vehicles are chosen for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and structural integrity, ensuring both safety and operational sustainability.
The company’s long-standing partnership with Eicher has been instrumental in its growth, with Eicher buses consistently proving their durability, economy, and ease of maintenance. A significant factor in the success of Sai Ganesh Tours & Travels has been its strong reliance on Eicher buses, which form the backbone of its school, staff, and public transport operations. He highlights the importance of this partnership, stating, “Eicher buses have been our preferred choice for school transportation because of their reliability, safety, and fuel efficiency. When we began expanding, Eicher’s buses gave us the confidence to scale operations while maintaining the highest safety standards.” With over 80% of its school bus fleet consisting of Eicher vehicles, the company has built a reputation for dependability among schools and parents alike.
Further strengthening its operational reach, the company has deployed 200 buses under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for state transport services in regions like Konkan, Kolhapur, and Latur, extending services up to the state borders of Nagpur, Virar, and Palghar. These buses cover 400-500 kilometers daily, showcasing the company’s efficiency and service consistency. “Running long-distance operations in a cost-effective manner is a challenge, but our focus on fleet maintenance and efficiency helps us stay ahead,” he remarks.
Safety: A Non-Negotiable Priority
Safety remains a cornerstone of Sai Ganesh’s operations. In an industry where unorganized school van operators frequently overcrowd vehicles beyond safe limits, Sai Ganesh adheres to stringent safety protocols. Each bus is equipped with GPS tracking for real-time monitoring, CCTV surveillance for added security, speed governors to regulate driving speed, and essential emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and first-aid kits. Additionally, all school buses have lady attendants to supervise children and safety rods on windows to prevent unauthorized opening. “Not only schools but also parents trust us with their children’s safety, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” emphasizes Naik.
The company has also embraced technology to enhance student safety and operational efficiency. Through its dedicated Sai Ganesh mobile app, parents can track bus routes in real-time, eliminating uncertainty about pick-up and drop-off times. “Earlier, parents had to rely on phone calls to know where the bus was. Now, they get real-time updates with just a tap on their phones,” he explains. Moreover, the company ensures its fleet remains compliant with evolving emission norms, transitioning seamlessly from BS I to BS VI standards to align with environmental sustainability goals. Collaborating closely with Eicher, the company proactively addresses product-related concerns, maintaining its buses in top condition.
Profitability & Competitive Edge in a Challenging Market
Despite facing competition from unauthorized transport operators, Sai Ganesh Tours & Travels maintains profitability through strategic investments in fleet maintenance, fuel efficiency, and service reliability. While illegal operators compromise safety to cut costs, they differentiate themselves with value-added services such as CCTV monitoring and dedicated female attendants, securing long-term contracts with reputed schools. “Our commitment to quality and safety sets us apart in a market where cutting corners has become common,” he states.
To further optimize operations, Sai Ganesh has implemented a structured Fleet Maintenance Contract (FMC) with Eicher. This contract ensures regular service, tyre checks, and optimal vehicle uptime while maintaining fixed operational costs to mitigate financial risks. Given that some of their buses operate 400-500 km daily, even minor improvements in mileage contribute to significant cost savings. “Fuel efficiency is a game-changer in transport operations. By choosing the right vehicles and maintaining them well, we ensure sustainability and profitability,” says Naik. The company has even established its own workshop to conduct routine service, ensuring maximum vehicle uptime.
Partnerships & Road Ahead
Beyond school transport, Eicher buses have been instrumental in Sai Ganesh Tours & Travels’ expansion into staff mobility and public transport. “Whether it’s ensuring punctual staff commutes in bustling metro cities or covering extensive routes under our MSRTC contracts, Eicher buses have delivered on reliability, fuel efficiency, and driver comfort,” Naik explains.
With consistent uptime and lower maintenance costs, the fleet remains operationally efficient, allowing the company to maintain profitability while providing dependable transportation. “Our priority is to move thousands of people safely and seamlessly every day, and Eicher buses help us do that with confidence,” he adds.
Looking beyond traditional segments, the company has introduced premium Volvo body-built buses for long-distance and tourist travel, catering to corporate clients and leisure travelers alike. While school transportation remains the core business, the company has diversified into staff transport, catering to leading corporates such as TAJ LANDS End, LIC, Wadhwa Group, HDFC Securities, and ITD Cementation. “We have built a strong and versatile fleet that meets the needs of not just students but also corporate professionals,” he adds.
Additionally, Sai Ganesh Tours & Travels has diversified into private transport services, including car rentals and curated tour packages, strengthening its foothold in Maharashtra’s mobility sector. To further enhance fleet accessibility, the company has partnered with leading aggregator platforms, ensuring a smooth booking experience while optimizing vehicle utilization. “Being on these platforms helps us reach a broader audience while upholding our commitment to safe and efficient transportation,” Naik says. With over three decades of experience, Sai Ganesh Tours & Travels continues to evolve, focusing on safety, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction to drive sustainable growth in the industry.