Aditya Educational Institutions, a powerhouse in the Indian education landscape, has built its legacy on the pillars of discipline, integrity, and innovation. With a current enrolment of nearly 90,000 students across 80+ institutions and a staff strength exceeding 8,000, the group has become a beacon of inclusive and impactful education. At the heart of this journey lies a strong focus on infrastructure, including the critical aspect of student mobility. Aditya School’s partnership with Eicher has played a pivotal role in scaling safe and efficient transport across its expansive campuses.
A Growing Need, A Reliable Partner
Located in Surampalem, 23 km from Kakinada, Aditya School’s flagship university campus is a sprawling 250-acre facility that hosts 23,000 students. With students coming from 18 states and 15 countries, ensuring smooth, safe, and punctual transportation was a logistical challenge the group needed to solve at scale. “We started with just three to four buses but realised the real potential lay in tapping rural areas. Today, we cover every village within a 40 km radius,” said Dr. N. Satish Reddy, Pro-Chancellor, Aditya University.
Out of the group’s sizeable school bus fleet, over 130 are Eicher buses. These include 72-seater and 60-seater models, and even 11 AC buses. The decision to adopt Eicher was driven by both operational and financial considerations. “With Eicher’s 72-seater offering, we reduced our bus requirement for certain routes, which translated into savings on driver costs, fuel, and maintenance,” explained Dr. Reddy. The buses also offered generous legroom and aisle space, enhancing comfort for students, which was a major plus.”
From Skepticism to Confidence
Initially, there were hesitations. Past experiences with third-party service issues had left some concerns. However, what changed the game was Eicher’s proactive support. “They won our trust with consistent follow-ups, clear explanations of their technology, and confidence in their product. It wasn’t just about selling buses; it was about solving our pain points,” he noted.
Service reliability was a key concern that Eicher addressed decisively. The institution now enjoys dedicated service personnel stationed at the campus and uses advanced telematics for real-time monitoring. “Rash driving, harsh braking, gear misuse – everything is tracked. We now counsel our drivers based on this data, and it has shown direct impact on mileage and behaviour,” he added.
In fact, average mileage improved from 5.5 km/l to 5.7 km/l across the Eicher fleet, thanks to proper training and performance feedback. This gain not only contributes to lower operating costs but also enhances sustainability.
Smart, Safe, Sustainable – Delivering on All Fronts
When asked about Eicher’s performance on the parameters of smart, safe, and sustainable mobility, Dr. Reddy was unequivocal. “Smartness lies in their design – the comfort, space, and connectivity. Safety is embedded in the build quality and compliance with RTA norms. And sustainability is a direct outcome of fuel efficiency and fleet optimisation,” he said.
What impressed the management further was Eicher’s responsiveness to feedback. “We suggested changes in fuel tank protection and footboard height. These were incorporated in the next batch of buses. That kind of customisation and customer listening is rare,” he noted.
The institution also benefits from structured engagement with Eicher’s team through a dedicated service review process. “Every month, a review camp is held. A BOP (Beginning of Period) report is prepared, jointly signed off, and acted upon. It’s a very collaborative ecosystem,” he added.
Looking Ahead: Electrification and Beyond
Aditya Group’s leadership is already thinking about the future of mobility. While electric buses are not yet a financially viable replacement for their entire fleet, the group is exploring opportunities to introduce them on select routes. “Even if we can convert 25-30% of our fleet to electric, it’s a strong statement to our students and the larger community,” he said.
They are also tracking global innovations closely. “We understand that managing battery health is critical. Pure electric may face challenges in our climate, but hybrid and future-ready solutions are very much on our radar,” he added.
Long-term, Aditya Schools are also evaluating advanced transport concepts such as tandem buses and autonomous mobility. “Autonomous school buses on select express routes might sound futuristic, but it’s not out of reach. We’re keeping our minds open,” he said.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Performance
Ultimately, the choice of a mobility partner for Aditya goes beyond specs and numbers. “Trust comes first. We can’t afford a breakdown with 70 students on board each bus. Eicher has proved that they are not only a product provider but a long-term partner,” he affirmed.
As part of a recent development, the group has procured Eicher’s 50-seater buses for the first time, extending the partnership further. The commitment is mutual. “Once anyone partners with Aditya, it’s a long-term relationship. And Eicher has honoured that beautifully,” he concluded.