"We wish to inform you that commercial production of buses at the plant set up in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, has commenced from February 19, 2021," the company said in a regulatory filing.
The plant is located 40 km away from Vijayawada, and spread over 75 acres and has the capacity to produce 4800 buses a year.
The plant is strategically located, in the vicinity of ports at Chennai/Vishakapatnam and the geographical location made it easily accessible to the Southern/Eastern and Western regions.
The plant will be a complete green facility, equipped with rooftop solar panels, LED lighting, battery-operated vehicles for in-plant movement, positive water balance and zero discharge.
The investment for the plant is around INR 140 crore. The facility is the first of Ashok Leyland plant in Andhra Pradesh and has the capacity to produce 4800 buses a year. It also has a state-of-the-art learning centre and an advanced service training centre. The facility includes an electric vehicle development centre, comprising a futuristic conveyor line, pilot assembly line and prototype development
The plant is expected to provide further a big fillip to the existing reputation of Vijayawada as a centre for Bus Bodybuilding. It will also give an impetus to the AP governments vision to promote the state as an emerging and attractive Automobile hub. Presently, in Andhra Pradesh, the major Auto Majors with substantial investments include KIA Motors, Hero Moto Corp, Amar Raja Batteries A slew of EV startups too are expected to invest in Andhra Pradesh soon.