How a bold vision and a reliable partnership with Eicher propelled Vijay Kumar’s Eagle Bus Services to new heights, writes Upendra Kasbekar.

The year 2024 marks a pivotal moment for Eagle Bus Services. With its firm partnership with Eicher Buses in place, the brand is moving from strength to strength in the people mover segment. For Vijay, Owner of Eagle Bus Services, the journey started in 1997. Known as Vijay Transport, the journey commenced with a passion for the transport industry. Over the years,  it is known to have experimented with multiple brand names but struggled to establish a lasting identity. The breakthrough came only in 2012 when he rebranded his operations under the name “Eagle Bus Services.” This strategic move paved the way for meaningful collaborations with major companies and a surge in demand for his services. “With the Eagle Bus Services name, we reached out to many companies and secured contracts that fuelled our growth,” Vijay recalls with pride. 

Today, Eagle Bus Services operates with a fleet of 130 buses. It has built on passion to lead the charge in India’s private bus transportation segment by committing to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions. With a legacy of delivering dependable, fuel-efficient, and performance-driven buses, Eicher has become a trusted partner for fleet operations at Eagle. According to Vijay, Eicher’s diverse portfolio, which spans city buses, school buses, intercity coaches, and staff transport vehicles, is a testament to Eicher’s ability to cater to varied mobility needs with precision and purpose. A reason for Eagle to collaborate with Eicher to meet its customer requirements. 

Eicher has emerged as a leader in Bharat Stage VI (BSVI) compliant vehicles. The buses not only meet stringent emission norms but also offer superior fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and enhanced durability. At the heart of this success is Eicher’s use of advanced technology, including  telematics, smart fleet management systems, and driver-assistance features that keep operators like Eagle ahead of the curve.

Choosing Eicher over other OEMs has been a well-considered decision. “Eicher is the only brand that delivers on every front like passenger comfort, operational efficiency, and fuel savings,” he explains. This combination of benefits has given Eagle Bus Services a competitive edge in the crowded private bus transport sector,” opined Vijay. Eicher’s proactive approach to aftersales service and on-time assistance is another standout factor, he added. Eicher’s workshops are well-equipped with essential spare parts, ensuring that repairs are completed within just two to three hours for minor services and no more than 24 hours for major repairs, he emphasised. 

A head start

The relationship between Eagle Bus Services and Eicher began in 1998 when the company first acquired the 27-seater Eicher 2703 model. While the older models came with their share of operational challenges, the modern Eicher fleet stands in stark contrast. “Back then, engine breakdowns were common, and fuel consumption was as high as 3.5 litres per kilometre,” Vijay recollected . Today, thanks to technological advancements, Eicher’s buses are said to offer fuel efficiency of up to six kilometre per litre. The company’s flagship model, the Eicher Starline 2090 L, stands out as a clear favourite of . “We own 100 units of the Eicher 2090 because of its smooth operations and unmatched performance compared to other OEMs,” he beams with confidence. 

The Road to success

Achieving success in the competitive bus transport industry is no small feat. Reflecting on his journey, Vijay highlights the importance of perseverance. “Difficulties are a permanent part of success. If you’re scared of them, you’ll never reach the top,”he remarks. Eagle Bus Services’ partnerships with e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart for last mile delivery type and employee transportation services have played a pivotal role in the company’s success. As demand for efficient last-mile transportation grows, Eagle’s reliance on Eicher’s reliable fleet has proved to be a game-changer.

Driving growth with the Eicher advantage  

The operational efficiencies offered by Eicher buses have contributed significantly to Eagle’s bottom line. Eicher gives  a 20 per cent profit advantage, largely due to lower fuel consumption and timely service support. “This enhanced profitability has allowed Eagle Bus Services to expand its fleet, meet customer demand, and plan for future growth. The Eicher 2090’s superior fuel efficiency is a game-changer, especially in an industry where fuel costs account for a substantial portion of operating expenses,” Vijay admitted.

The challenging  people mover segment 

 Operating in the people mover segment comes with its share of challenges, particularly in terms of driver skills and training. With the introduction of BSVI vehicles, the stakes are higher. “BSVI vehicles should be driven like cars, but drivers often lack the expertise to operate them properly,” Vijay says. To overcome this challenge, Eagle Bus Services mandates quarterly driver training programs, ensuring that drivers stay up to date with the latest operational standards and techniques.

The digital divide 

Unlike many fleet operators who have embraced digital transformation, Eagle Bus Services continues to rely on manual operations. While  Vijay acknowledges the benefits of digitalisation, he also points to the gaps that exist in OEM-provided software. “We’re not fully digital, and we’d love to have better features from the MyEicher app. It should provide more details beyond location tracking,” he said based on the suite selected. The company currently relies on third-party GPS systems but hopes for an integrated, OEM-driven solution that offers enhanced data and analytics.

Environmental sustainability and ZEVs

While environmental sustainability is a key consideration for fleet operators, the shift to  Electric Vehicles (EVs) remains a challenge. Vijay is quick to highlight concerns regarding  the high initial costs of EV acquisition. It is nearly double that of traditional diesel buses, he quipped. However, he remains optimistic about the future. “If our clients, like Amazon, commit to zero-emission targets, we’ll have to follow suit to stay relevant,” he explains. Eagle Bus Services is actively exploring options to transition to EVs as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Collaborating for customised solutions

 With the increasing complexity of the transport industry, Vijay offers advice to newcomers. “If you want to enter this industry, you need at least five years of self-run transport experience before collaborating with an OEM,” he advises. For Eagle Bus Services, collaboration with Eicher goes beyond fleet procurement. The partnership involves customised vehicle configurations and tailored solutions that address specific operational needs. 

The role of government policies 

With government policies like the scrappage policy coming into play, fleet operators are being compelled to modernise their fleets. Vijay’s take on this shift is pragmatic. While he acknowledges the policy’s environmental benefits, he also stresses the need for greater OEM support in terms of incentives and trade-in options.

The road ahead  

As Eagle Bus Services looks to the future, growth and expansion remain high on the agenda. The company plans to add 25 new Eicher 3016 buses to its fleet in the coming months, driven by growing demand from e-commerce clients. This expansion strategy reflects the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and his belief in Eicher’s ability to deliver. Eagle Bus Services’ journey from a fledgling transport business to a leading player in the people mover segment is a story of grit, determination, and the right partnerships. Eicher’s role in this journey has been instrumental. With a strong focus on fuel efficiency, reliability, and customer support, Eicher has empowered Eagle Bus Services to achieve sustained growth and profitability, concludes.

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