Bags order for eight coaches from Kerala State Road Transport Corporation
Volvo Buses India, a part of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has launched its first completely built sleeper coach. The 15 m sleeper coach has been developed on the Volvo B11R chassis. The first eight coaches will be delivered to the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.
Commenting on the launch, Vinod Aggarwal, MD, and CEO, VECV, said: ‘We are thrilled to launch the first factory-built sleeper coaches compliant with legal and Volvo Bus standards. It is noteworthy that we were able to deliver this world class solution within a year of establishing VECV Bus Division combining the Volvo Buses India operations and Eicher bus to energise public transport with industry-defining products and solutions. We are confident that the new Volvo B11R sleeper will establish a new benchmark in the rapidly growing sleeper bus market.’
‘Volvo Buses India’s globally-benchmarked Hosakote manufacturing facility is uniquely geared to develop completely built buses that are distinguished for their superior design, durability, comfort, and safety. We are humbled to have delivered the first sleeper coaches to Kerala State Road Transport Corporation for deployment on routes connecting God’s Own Country! Passengers can travel in internationally benchmarked comfort, secure in the knowledge that we deliver the highest levels of value and safety,’ asserted Akash Passey, President, Bus Division, VE Commercial Vehicles.
‘Kerala has a long-term agenda to develop high-quality public transport in keeping with the rapidly evolving mobility needs of our progressive state. These sleeper buses will be deployed on prominent intra-state and inter-state routes,’ stated Biju Prabhakar, IAS, Chairman and Managing Director, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.
The benchmark sleeper bus body platform can also be applied to the Volvo B8R range that includes 12m and 13.5m chassis.
Comfort and safety
The Volvo B11R is geared for exemplary performance under demanding conditions. Among other aggregates, the chassis’ 12-speed I-Shift gearbox, Electronically Controlled Air Suspensions and Electronic Braking systems are notable.
The coach can accommodate 39 berths and provide for 12.5 cu.m of personal luggage space. The fully sealed saloon area features fire-retardant grade fabrics, plywood, cushions, and ABS surfaces that convey a premium feel while assuring of the highest levels of safety.
To maximise durability, the sleeper body has been built on a high-strength carbon steel structure, that has been coated with anti-corrosive paint. The coach is fully compliant with all relevant automotive standards and norms.
While cruising highways smoothly, the sleeper ensures comfortable and spacious berths with headrests for passengers along with dedicated small luggage space, mobile chargers, and a personal reading lamp. There is also a provision for a curtain between adjacent berths. The wide gangway with anti-skid vinyl flooring provides ample space for in-vehicle accessibility. The LED lamps endow the interiors with the right blend of aesthetics and functionality.