Ashok Leyland, a flagship company of the Hinduja Group, has unveiled a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant stride in India’s automotive sector. The plant, inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh, will produce both diesel and electric buses, catering to the evolving demands of public transportation. The event saw the presence of key dignitaries, including state ministers M Ram Prasad Reddy (Transport) and T G Bharath (Industries), alongside Hinduja Group Chairman Ashok P Hinduja, underscoring the project’s strategic importance.

Spread across 75 acres in Malavalli, approximately 40 km from Vijayawada, the facility is poised to become a hub for advanced bus manufacturing. It will produce the full range of vehicles under Switch Mobility, Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary, blending traditional diesel bus expertise with cutting-edge electric mobility solutions. The plant’s location in Andhra Pradesh aligns with the state’s push for industrial growth and sustainable infrastructure, offering a boost to regional economic development.

Switch Mobility’s role as Ashok Leyland’s EV arm highlights the company’s commitment to decarbonizing public transport. The facility will focus on scaling production of electric buses, integrating innovative technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. This move positions Ashok Leyland as a key player in India’s transition to green mobility, supporting national goals like net-zero emissions and the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme.

During the inauguration, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh emphasized the plant’s potential to generate employment and strengthen the state’s manufacturing ecosystem. He noted that the project aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s vision to attract investments in renewable energy and advanced industries. Transport Minister M Ram Prasad Reddy added that the facility would modernize the state’s public transport networks, ensuring safer and eco-friendly commuting options for citizens.

The establishment of the plant also reflects a growing emphasis on sustainable transportation solutions in India. By producing electric buses alongside conventional diesel models, Ashok Leyland aims to offer flexible options to transport authorities while gradually transitioning to zero-emission vehicles. This dual approach addresses current infrastructure challenges while future-proofing the industry against evolving environmental regulations.

Ashok P Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group, reiterated the company’s dedication to innovation and nation-building. He stated that the Vijayawada facility symbolizes the Group’s confidence in India’s economic potential and its resolve to support cleaner mobility. With this expansion, Ashok Leyland strengthens its pan-India presence, paving the way for collaborations with government bodies and private stakeholders to redefine public transportation in the era of climate consciousness.