Bengaluru, 6 September 2026: Vijayananda Travels Pvt. Ltd. (VTPL) has set a new benchmark in India’s premium bus travel sector by placing a single order for 150 Volvo buses. Company has taken delivery of 150 Volvo 9600 luxury sleeper coaches – Gold Class, making the deal the largest single Volvo bus order placed by a private travel operator, according to the company.
Buses were handed over at a ceremony held at a private hotel in Bengaluru. Volvo India Managing Director and CEO B. Srinivas handed over the keys to VRL Media Pvt. Ltd. Managing Director Dr. Anand Sankeshwar and Vijay Anand Travels Pvt. Ltd. Managing Director Shiva Sankeshwar. Senior Volvo executives, including VE Commercial Vehicles Chief Commercial Officer S.S. Gill and Executive Vice President, Bus Division, Suresh Chettiar, were present.
Three Decades of Vijayanand Travels
Speaking at the event, Anand Sankeshwar said Vijayanand Travels began operations in 1996 and has had a partnership with Volvo since 2007. Company initially purchased 20 Volvo buses. By 2012, it had placed an order for 100 buses, while the latest purchase takes the single order size to 150 buses.
“With our network across Karnataka and other parts of the country, we want to offer passengers the best possible travel experience,” he said.
He also highlighted the growing importance of onboard toilets in long-distance bus travel. According to him, passengers are increasingly checking whether a bus has a toilet before making a booking.
A toilet onboard can also reduce travel delays. When buses stop for passengers to use roadside facilities, considerable time can be lost. An onboard facility can help reduce such stoppages and improve overall journey efficiency.
'Volvo Is on the Next Level'
Vijayananda Travels Managing Director Shiva Sankeshwar said Volvo buses have a distinctive appearance and passenger appeal. “If all buses are parked on one side, Volvo will stand apart on the other,” he said, describing the brand as being at a “next level.” He also noted that Volvo buses, which were earlier manufactured in Sweden for the Indian market, are now produced at the company's Hoskote facility.
Focus on Safety and Reliability
Volvo India Managing Director and CEO B. Srinivas said the investment reflects continued confidence in technology, safety engineering and the company's service ecosystem. He described Vijay Anand Travels as one of Volvo's long-standing private operator partners in India. Latest order, he said, demonstrates the trust built between the two companies over several decades, while reinforcing Volvo's focus on passenger safety, comfort and reliability.
Aircraft-Style Toilet for Long Journeys
One of the major attractions of the Volvo 9600 sleeper coach is its onboard toilet facility. For senior citizens, women and children, access to a toilet can make long-distance travel more convenient. The coach features a toilet designed to provide a stable and comfortable experience even while the bus is moving. For passengers travelling hundreds of kilometres, this can reduce the need for unscheduled toilet breaks and roadside stops.
Comfort Designed for Long-Distance Travel
Sleeper coaches are designed around passenger comfort, with spacious and cushioned seating intended for extended journeys.
The features include Premium pushback seats, Individual USB charging ports, AC louvers for each seat, Reading lights, Comfortable luggage compartments, Full air suspension, ABS and EBS, Electronic Vehicle Stability Control, Automated manual transmission. Combination of sleeper accommodation, onboard toilet facilities and safety technologies positions the Volvo 9600 as a premium option for long-distance intercity travel.
Aiming to Expand Premium Bus Travel Across India
With 150 new Volvo 9600 Gold Class sleeper coaches, Vijay Anand Travels is looking to strengthen its premium bus network and expand its presence across India. Large-scale order also highlights a broader shift in India's intercity travel market, where passengers are increasingly looking beyond ticket prices and considering comfort, safety, onboard facilities and travel time while choosing long-distance buses.
Keywords: Vijayanand Travels, Volvo 9600, Volvo buses, Anand Sankeshwar, Shiva Sankeshwar, premium bus travel, VRL, Citizen News Puttur