Gujarat’s Tirth Automobiles Secures AIS 153 Certification From ICAT

Tirth Automobiles, a prominent bus body builder and fleet operator based in Gujarat, has achieved the AIS 153 certification from ICAT (International Centre for Automotive Technology), reinforcing its name among a select list of bus body builders with AIS 153 certification in India.

The certification covers 58 bus models across leading OEMs, including Ashok Leyland, Eicher, Tata, and BharatBenz, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-standing presence in India’s bus transport sector.

“This certification reflects our commitment to safety and quality in every bus we build. It is a proud moment for our team and for the passengers who rely on our buses daily.”

Nirmal V. Shah, Managing Director, Tirth Automobiles

Nirmal V. Shah, Managing Director, Tirth Automobiles, told Coach Builders India that this milestone doesn’t just represent a regulatory “check-box” – it signals a significant leap in how mid-sized Indian manufacturers are professionalizing the bus body-building sector.

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From Facility Management to Fleet Operator to Certified Bus Body Builder

The roots of Tirth Automobiles can be traced to V C Shahpatel Services Pvt. Ltd., a facility management company founded in 1996. And in 1999, Tirth Travel emerged from it, as a specialized operator in staff transportation, gradually building a reputation for reliability and efficiency.

Today, the company manages a fleet of over 250 vehicles under its operational arm, Tirth Travels, serving corporate clients and institutions across the Bharuch and Narmada districts.

In addition to fleet operations, Tirth Automobiles is an authorized dealer for Force Motors and Eicher trucks and buses in the Bharuch region. This dual expertise — as both manufacturer and operator — provides the company with a unique perspective on bus design, maintenance, and operational safety.

“Our focus has always been on delivering vehicles that meet the highest standards of safety and reliability,” Shah said.

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Scaling Up: From 100 to 500 Buses per Month

To support this new era of certified manufacturing, Tirth Automobiles has invested heavily in its infrastructure. The company currently operates a modern manufacturing facility in the Bharuch region spanning over 50,000 square feet, equipped with dedicated bays for structural fabrication, paneling, and interior fit-outs.

The facility’s current capacity stands at 100 units per month, but the company has set its sights on a massive expansion. By the end of 2026, Tirth Automobiles aims to have a 2 lakh+ sq.ft manufacturing facility and scale production to 500 units per month.

This expansion involves the integration of more automated welding processes and standardized jigs to ensure that every bus rolling off the line meets the exact tolerances required by ICAT.

With the AIS 153 certification from ICAT, Tirth Automobiles can manufacture buses that comply with India’s most stringent safety norms, covering multiple chassis and body configurations for popular OEMs.

The certification ensures adherence to strict benchmarks for structural integrity, fire safety, occupant protection, and electronic stability — factors critical to fleet operators and passengers alike.

“Achieving AIS 153 certification is not just about meeting regulations; it is about creating a culture of safety and excellence across every bus we deliver,” Shah noted.

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A New Benchmark: Safety and Compliance in Bus Building

AIS 153 certification is the highest safety standard for bus body builders in India. With regulations tightening across the country, certified manufacturers are increasingly favored by corporate and government fleets.
For companies like Tirth Automobiles, this opens doors to larger fleet contracts, institutional clients, and higher market credibility.

The certification also highlights the growing importance of OEM collaboration. By aligning body design with manufacturer specifications from Ashok Leyland, Tata, BharatBenz, and Eicher, Tirth Automobiles ensures that buses not only meet regulatory standards but also deliver consistent performance, durability, and passenger comfort.

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The Road Forward: Safety, Innovation, and Expansion

As India’s bus industry evolves, Tirth Automobiles is preparing to scale production, expand its fleet, and continue investing in safety and technology. The company’s experience as a fleet operator gives it valuable insights into practical safety requirements, from ergonomic design to vehicle stability under real-world operating conditions.

“Safety, reliability, and customer trust are the foundation of everything we do,” Shah emphasized. “The AIS 153 certification from ICAT is a milestone, but it is also a starting point for continuous improvement in design, operations, and service.”

With this certification, Tirth Automobiles joins a select group of manufacturers setting new benchmarks for safety and quality in India’s bus body-building sector, reaffirming its role as a trusted partner for both fleet operators and passengers.