The LAccMI Scheme, a pioneering initiative by the Odisha Government, focuses on improving accessibility and connectivity through multi-modal transportation solutions. This strategic move aligns with the government's vision to elevate the state's public transportation infrastructure and provide citizens with a world-class public mobility experience. The high end premium Volvo 9600 Buses(122nos.) will connect the major districts and business hubs to the state capital and Jagannath Dham Puri with the branding of Jagannath Express & Laxmi Express respectively. Volvo 9600 multi-axle 15m coaches will come equipped with pushback, semi-sleeper and Sleeper configurations and will ply on various routes taking public transport in Odisha to the next level
Volvo Bus India, a leading player in the commercial vehicle segment, is committed to delivering cutting-edge and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. The 122 premium luxury coaches ordered under this scheme will set new benchmarks in comfort, safety, and technology, ensuring passengers enjoy a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
Speaking on the landmark order Mr. Vinod Aggarwal, MD and CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with the Government of Odisha. He said, "We are honored to be selected as the preferred partner for this landmark initiative. Volvo Bus India is committed to providing state-of-the-art, sustainable mobility solutions, and this order further solidifies our commitment to the region. The premium luxury coaches ordered under the LAccMI Scheme will not only enhance the public transportation system in Odisha but will also contribute to the overall growth and development of the state."
Mr. Diptesh Kumar Pattnayak, MD, OSRTC shared his enthusiasm on the landmark order “The collaboration between Volvo Bus India and the Government of Odisha is a testament to the shared vision of creating a modern, efficient, and sustainable public transportation network. This will have a long lasting impact on the government initiatives that aim to transform transportation infrastructure and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.”
The Volvo premium buses are built with Integrated bus body design(monocoque) manufactured in a state-of-the-art inhouse facility at Hosakote Bangalore, which gives long life of bus body and world class-built quality. At the heart of the Volvo 9600 platform is the tried, tested, powerful and fuel-efficient Volvo D8K (8-litre) engine, delivering a power of 260kW (350hp) @ 2200 RPM and a torque of 1350 Nm @ 1200-1600 RPM. The fuel-efficient engine along with its purpose-developed drivetrain is designed to minimize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and maximize uptime for bus operators. Volvo 9600 is the only OEM factory built sleeper coaches that comply with AIS 119 standards, a first in the industry, and comes with a host of industry leading features. The 122 coaches will have 55 pushback luxury seats and 51 semi-sleeper seats for higher capacity and viability in 15m seater coaches along with 40 sleeper in sleeper coaches to provide comfortable options for all kinds of premium travel. Safety Features like Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Powerful Electronic Disc Brakes supported by Electronic Braking System(EBS) & ABS ensure that the safety of our passengers are of paramount importance. The coach’s interiors are equipped with Fire Retardant(FR) grade materials to avoid casualty in case of any fire incident. Fire detection & suppression system (FDSS) are provided for engine and FAPS in passenger area for safety against fire related incidents.
Since Volvo Buses established its presence in India in 2001 it has been driving change in the industry, introducing various firsts in India – including the true bus chassis concept, the low floor city bus concept, multi-axle coaches and India’s first commercialised hybrid bus. Over 8,000 Volvo buses operate on Indian roads, providing the best travel experience in terms of safety, luxury, and comfort to people. Pre-pandemic, nearly a million people commuted on a Volvo Bus every day – with the bus population having covered more than 3 billion kilometres. Since 2020, Volvo Buses India is a division of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd.