In order to meet the rising demand for buses in the country, Punjab-based bus body manufacturer JCBL would invest Rs 60 crore in phases in its new unit in Andhra Pradesh. It has set up this unit in collaboration with a local partner and has invested Rs 32 crore so far. The company has plans to ramp up the existing capacity from 2,000 buses to 4,000 buses per annum after the capital infusion.
JCBL Managing Director Rishi Aggarwal said, “With a view to expand our manufacturing footprint in the southern region, we have inaugurated our new unit in Andhra Pradesh recently ...the plant has a manufacturing capacity of 2,000 buses per annum... In addition, the company has state-of-art manufacturing plant on the Chandigarh-Ambala highway, in Lalru (Punjab), with an installed capacity of 5,000 buses per annum.”
JCBL makes a wide array of buses and vans, including special application vehicles, election campaign vans, display vans, OB vans, radar calibration vans, riot control vehicles and mobile homes. The company also has a strong service base comprising leading OEM’s like Swaraj Mazda, Eicher, Tata Motors, prime fleet operators, schools and institutions in the country.
With an increase in demand of buses by various state transport corporations and tour operators, the company is eyeing a turnover of Rs 250 crore in the current financial year and Rs 300 crore in the next financial year. Also, this financial year, the company is eyeing a total sale of 5,000 buses.
On being asked about the bus code which is going to be implemented nationwide from April 1, 2011, he mentioned, “I think the implementation of code will completely transform the industry and help it to get organised, which will be propitious to all the stakeholders. While bus body makers with developed infrastructure and advance design and research capabilities will be considerably benefited, implementation of the Bus Code will also motivate and encourage small players to get restructured and flourish. With the uniform code for buses, components makers can produce standardised material, which will lead to better efficiency and competent after-sale service. Most significantly, it will help provide comfortable and safe buses which will help to decongest roads and leading to greener environment by discouraging the use of personal vehicles.”
According to the code, all bus body building units will have to obtain an accreditation certificate to demonstrate their capabilities and adhere to safety norms. The implementation of the national bus body building code is being done to ensure that buses are built as per stipulated standards related to safety, design and comfort, likely to be implemented from October this year.