The very mention of National Model School instantly rings a bell for anyone familiar with Coimbatore’s educational landscape. Established in 1987 with just two students, the group today educates over 6,500 students across four campuses and is known for being one of the city’s most iconic and progressive institutions.
From humble beginnings to becoming a household name, National Model has stayed true to one principle: providing the best possible facilities for its students. The commitment is visible in every detail – from technology-enabled classrooms to extracurricular excellence. This vision also extends beyond classrooms – particularly in safe and reliable student transport. And here, Eicher school buses play a starring role.
A Partnership That Began with a Trial
Walking into the sprawling campus, rows of gleaming yellow buses stand out. Nearly three-fourths are Eicher.
“Our association with Eicher began in 2010,” recalls Dr. P. Mohan Chandar, Chairman, National Model Group of Schools. “At that time, we purchased just one bus on trial. The performance turned out to be outstanding. The buses were reliable, easy to maintain, and came with built-in safety features. That one experience convinced us. From then on, Eicher became our preferred choice.”
Today, 90 of the group’s buses are from Eicher, making it one of the largest Eicher school bus fleets in the region.
Safety First — Building Trust with Parents
For a school transporting thousands of children daily, safety is non-negotiable. “Earlier, with other brands, we had faced issues, especially with braking,” Dr. Chandar shares. “But with Eicher, we haven’t had such problems. In a decade, no major accidents – proving strong safety.”
Eicher’s long-standing Dealer Partner in Coimbatore
Safety also depends on the people behind the wheel. “Eicher provides ongoing training for our drivers,” he adds. “It ensures they follow proper road etiquette – no sudden braking, no rash lane changing. It makes the journey smoother and safer.”
This commitment has earned the trust of parents, who clearly see the difference between regulated school fleets and unregulated private operators.
Technology That Reassures
Eicher’s buses stand out for their integration of technology that reassures both schools and parents. “CCTV, GPS tracking, and mobile apps have been game changers,” says Dr. Chandar. “Earlier, if a bus was delayed, parents would flood our office with calls. Now, they simply track the bus on their phones. They know exactly when it will arrive, saving time and reducing stress.”
Comfort That Makes a Difference
Comfort matters when children spend one to two hours on a bus daily. “I have personally ridden in all our buses,” notes Dr. Chandar. “The comfort level in Eicher is noticeably better. The seating ergonomics are good, the buses are well ventilated. We also have some AC buses. The children travel in comfort, which is very important in a city like Coimbatore.”
Training Drivers, Shaping Citizens
Driver training has an indirect impact on the next generation. “Children observe everything,” Dr. Chandar points out. “When they see drivers following rules, avoiding rash driving, and being courteous, it leaves a lasting impression. Even a few students adopting safe habits is a big contribution to road safety.”
Towards a Greener Future
Sustainability is another priority for the group, and Eicher is a partner here as well. “Eicher recently launched CNG school buses. We have already purchased one for trial,” says Dr. Chandar. “For urban routes, CNG is a very good option because of lower emissions and cost efficiency. The only limitation is range. In the long run, we definitely see ourselves moving towards CNG or other greener technologies.”
Service That Builds Loyalty
Behind the scenes, after-sales service keeps the fleet running smoothly. “Eicher’s AMC covers service, repairs and parts, reducing admin effort and ensuring reliability,” Dr. Chandar emphasizes. For a large fleet like National Model’s, service efficiency directly translates to more uptime, lower costs, and peace of mind.
A Model for Safe School Transport
Reflecting on the journey, Dr. Chandar says: “Parents see the difference between unregulated private vans and our regulated fleet. Choosing Eicher was not just about buying vehicles. It was about building a system where children can travel safely, comfortably, and sustainably, while parents rest easy knowing technology and training back it all up.”