Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland will look beyond just supply of trucks and buses but provide an integrated package of solutions to address urban transport needs, according to Vinod K Dasari, Managing Director.
Responding to a query on the company’s plans in the context on an announcement on the BSE that it has bagged orders worth $79.2 million (₹475 crore) through two large integrated transport projects in Tanzania and Zimbabwe, Dasari said the order value will mostly cover the supply of 700-800 vehicles.
Ashok Leyland is offering a mix of vehicles including tourist buses, intercity buses and ambulances for both markets, as part of specific projects that also include setting up the infrastructure to manage these vehicles sustainably and profitably including service training and driver training.
Ashok Leyland is making a concerted effort in the Africa markets where it has showcased Ashok Leyland’s products on offer and carried out a couple of pilot projects. The company is also providing consultation on Bus Rapid Transport System projects, he said.
According to the announcement on the BSE, the projects are financed by Exim Bank under the NEIA (National Export Insurance Account) scheme that supports project exports from India.
The company has also participated in the BRTS in Lagos, Nigeria, the first in Africa.