75 Years of BRS Travels: Ashwin Reddy Reflects on a Legacy of Trust and Transformation

As BRS Travels turns 75, Director Ashwin Yatham Reddy reflects on the company’s enduring legacy, evolving challenges, and commitment to passenger-first service in a modern, competitive bus industry.

In India’s vast and evolving bus transport sector, few names command as much respect and history as Balagangadhara Services or BRS Travels.

Established in 1949 by Sri Yatham Mahanandhi Reddy, a freedom fighter and former MLC who also served on the boards of the Tirumala Tirupati and Srisailam Devasthanam Trusts, the company began as a local bus service between Kurnool and Velugodu.

Today, it stands as a symbol of trust and longevity, operating a fleet of over 40 buses and proudly marking its 75th year of uninterrupted service.

Now led by the fourth-generation successor Ashwin Reddy Yatham, BRS Travels combines tradition with transformation, sustaining a decades-old legacy while navigating the challenges of a modern, tech-driven marketplace.

From steam engine buses to digital bookings, BRS Bus’s story reflects the transformation of India’s transport industry while showcasing how a business can survive and thrive by staying true to its core values.

A Journey That Began with Steam

“Our first buses ran on steam engines,” recalls Ashwin with pride. “That was long before diesel buses became the norm.”

From those early days to today’s 40-bus fleet, BRS Travels has grown through generations of change, including technological, regulatory, and cultural shifts.

At its core, the company remains focused on what matters most to passengers: reliability, comfort, and trust.

This philosophy has shaped the company’s reputation over the decades. In fact, 50% of BRS Travels’ bookings still happen offline, a rare feat in today’s aggregator-led, online-dominated world.

For Ashwin, that statistic reflects the deep trust built over generations. “Families still walk into our offices because they know the name, they know the people, and they trust the experience,” he adds.

BRS Travels has gained notable trust among women travelers, a demographic that now makes up a significant portion of its customer base.

“We make a conscious effort to ensure safety and comfort for all, especially women,” says Ashwin. “Our staff is trained to be courteous and empathetic. It’s not about one journey—it’s about the feeling of security that makes people come back.”

Pricing Disparity and Competitive Landscape

The intercity bus market has changed drastically in the past 10–15 years. “Earlier, everything was manual, from ticketing to customer handling. Loyalty was stronger, and passengers mostly traveled with trusted names. Today, people choose based on ratings, app listings, discounts, and reviews,” Ashwin notes.

He also points out a growing challenge: pricing disparity. “There’s no uniform pricing anymore. If a Bengaluru–Hyderabad route costs ₹2,000, another operator may offer it for ₹700. Many of these buses are registered in low-tax states like Nagaland or Arunachal Pradesh, giving them an unfair advantage.”

This, he says, makes it harder for established operators who comply with higher taxation and safety standards to break even, let alone grow.

Manpower Shortage: The Hidden Roadblock

Another serious challenge BRS Travels faces is the human resource crunch. “The workforce today is less inclined to work. Government subsidies and freebies have changed the work ethic. Finding reliable, professional staff is becoming harder by the day,” Ashwin explains.

For a customer-facing business like transportation, this can have an immediate impact on service quality. “Everything—timeliness, cleanliness, behavior—depends on the crew,” he adds.

The workforce today is less inclined to work. Government subsidies and freebies have changed the work ethic. Finding reliable, professional staff is becoming harder by the day.

Ashwin Reddy Yatham, Director, BRS Travels

Why Branding Matters More Than Ever

Ashwin strongly believes that branding and digital marketing are essential for survival in today’s market. “Most operators still underestimate how powerful branding can be,” he says. “In an age where attention spans are short, brands that connect emotionally with passengers stand out.”

BRS Travels has been investing in social media to create a personal connection with its audience. “A good brand builds not just recognition, but trust. That’s what drives repeat travel,” he explains.

A Future That Respects the Past

Despite the changes in the industry, BRS Travels has stayed true to its founding values. The focus remains on consistency, operational discipline, and passenger-first thinking. The company offers both AC and non-AC sleeper, semi-sleeper, and seater buses, maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.

Looking ahead, Ashwin and his team are committed to expanding into underserved areas while modernizing the BRS experience.

“We’re growing—but we are doing it with precision. For us, it’s not just about adding buses or routes. It’s about improving the travel experience at every level,” he says.

Conclusion: A Legacy in Motion

As BRS Travels celebrates its 75th year, it stands as a shining example of how legacy and modernity can co-exist. Under the leadership of Ashwin Reddy Yatham, the company is not just surviving in a hyper-competitive landscape—it’s setting a benchmark for how intercity bus operators can grow with purpose, innovate with integrity, and lead with heart.

In an industry that often favors short-term gains, BRS Travel’s story reminds us that longevity comes from listening to customers, investing in relationships, and staying true to your values. It’s not just a brand—it’s a legacy on wheels.