Lokesh inaugurates Ashok Leyland’s bus manufacturing unit in Krishna district

Top managerial personnel of Ashok Leyland and Hinduja Group handing over the key of a Switch double-decker electric bus during the inauguration of the Ashok Leyland bus manufacturing unit at Mallavalli in Krishna district on Wednesday.
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In a major boost to industrial development, IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh inaugurated a bus manufacturing unit of Ashok Leyland at Mallavalli in Krishna district on Wednesday. On the occasion, top executives of Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja Group handed over the keys of a Switch electric double-decker bus to the Minister.

The plant is designed to manufacture the complete range of Ashok Leyland diesel buses and Switch Mobility’s electric buses. With an annual production capacity of 4,800 buses, the facility also features Nalanda, a modern Learning Centre, and an advanced service training centre. 

It is a green facility with rooftop solar panels, LED lighting, battery-operated vehicles for in-plant logistics, positive water balance measures, and a zero-discharge system.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Lokesh said the Andhra Pradesh Government was delighted to welcome Ashok Leyland to the State’s growing industrial ecosystem, and expressed confidence that the plant would strengthen A.P.’s reputation as an emerging manufacturing hub and play a crucial role in providing employment, enhancing skill development, and boosting the overall economy.

Ashok Leyland Chairman Dheeraj G. Hinduja said the inauguration of the new plant marked the beginning of yet another chapter for his company in AP, and promised to explore more opportunities for driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and generating prosperity in the region.

MD & CEO Shenu Agarwal said inauguration of the new plant would consolidate Ashok Leyland’s position as No. 1 bus brand in India and among the Top-5 globally. This facility would cater to the growing demand for fully-built buses in India. Production had just commenced and the plant was operating at 100% capacity.

Ministers T.G. Bharat, M. Ram Prasad Reddy, Machilipatnam MP V. Balashowry, Gannavaram MLA Yarlagadda Venkata Rao and Hinduja Group – India Chairman Ashok P. Hinduja and others were present.