Ashok Leyland bags order for 300 double decker buses from Bangladesh

Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland has secured an order to supply 300 double-decker buses to the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), strengthening the company’s presence in the neighbouring country’s public transport market.

The company said the buses will be delivered within eight months. The procurement has been made through a tender under the Indian Line of Credit, an arrangement designed to support the export of Indian goods and services while helping partner countries develop infrastructure.

Ashok Leyland Managing Director Vinod K. Dasari said international markets have become an important part of the company’s strategy as it seeks to reduce its dependence on the cyclical nature of the Indian commercial vehicle market.

“Exports have been a strong focus for us to de-risk from cyclicality in the Indian market and to globalize our product portfolio,” Dasari said in a company statement.

Describing the Bangladesh order as a significant achievement, he said it also builds on the company’s strong export growth during the previous year.

The order is particularly important because double-decker buses are widely used in high-density urban transport systems, allowing operators to carry more passengers without requiring additional road space. Their deployment in Bangladesh could therefore help strengthen the country’s public transportation capacity as urban populations and mobility requirements continue to grow.

For Ashok Leyland, the deal also underlines the company’s broader strategy of expanding its international footprint. The company has been seeking to establish its products in overseas markets and diversify its revenue base beyond India.

The Bangladesh order comes at a time when India and Bangladesh are deepening economic cooperation across several sectors, including transport, energy and infrastructure. Such export deals can also contribute to closer commercial ties between the two neighbouring countries.