Volvo Buses India has secured its single largest order yet in the country for public transit in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has placed an order for 200 units of the premium Volvo 9600 coach. This deal takes the long-standing partnership between Volvo Buses and MSRTC a notch higher while giving state-run intercity travel a high-end makeover.
The order comprises 170 seater buses and 30 sleeper buses aimed at upgrading long-distance travel on intercity and inter-state routes. With this move, the Maharashtra government is focusing on modernization, better passenger comfort, and improved safety across its state transport fleet.
Key Details and Vehicle Specifications
- Manufacturing Base: All 200 coaches will be produced locally at Volvo Buses India’s plant located in Hoskote, near Bengaluru.
- Seater Configuration: The seater variant comes in a 51-seat layout, equipped with luxury seating and supportive calf rests.
- Sleeper Configuration: The 30 sleeper units feature custom berth layouts built specifically for comfortable overnight transit.
- Focus Areas: Designed to meet global safety standards, high operational reliability, smooth ride quality, and consistent performance across diverse routes.
Leadership Reaction
Expressing gratitude for the deal, Suresh Chettiar, Executive Vice President – Bus Division at VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., thanked Shri Pratap Sarnaik, Hon’ble Transport Minister of Maharashtra, and Dr. Madhav Kusekar, IAS, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of MSRTC. He noted that this landmark deal shows the trust MSRTC has in Volvo to deliver safe, premium, and reliable public transit for commuters across the state.
“MSRTC adding 200 luxury Volvo 9600 coaches to its fleet is a absolute game-changer for public transport in Maharashtra. For daily commuters and long-distance travellers who usually depend on private operators for premium intercity trips, having state-run, top-tier Volvo sleeper and seater buses offers incredible comfort and safety at accessible prices. It sets a brilliant benchmark for other state transport undertakings across India to modernize their long-haul fleets.”
— Avin Richards
