Ashok Leyland 15-Meter Bus Chassis: Garud Multi-Axle Specs | Price
Ashok Leyland has officially launched its first multi-axle bus chassis, the Ashok Leyland 15-meter bus chassis at Prawaas 4.0. We explore the details of chassis, including its specifications, the expected price, and highlights of the Ashok Leyland Garud, the first ever Ashok Leyland multi-axle bus chassis in India.
The wait is finally over! Ashok Leyland has finally unveiled its much-awaited multi-axle bus chassis — the Ashok Leyland Garud.
After showcasing a prototype of the Ashok Leyland 15 Meter Multi-Axle Bus Chassis at the company’s ‘M&HCV Expo’, Ashok Leyland has officially launched the Ashok Leyland Garud bus chassis at Prawaas 4.0.
The Ashok Leyland 15-meter bus chassis is designed for high-speed intercity travel and offers significantly more salon space.
The chassis boasts an overall length of 14,765 mm and a GVW of 22,500 kg, making it a robust platform for large passenger capacities.
The A-Series, 4 Cylinder engine with i-Gen6 technology ensures better fuel efficiency and reduces travel time.
It is available with an optional full-air suspension system with an anti-roll bar and an electromagnetic retarder, providing a secure and smooth journey.
Additionally, the Ashok Leyland’s multi-axle bus boasts an ergonomic 3-way adjustable driver seat, a cable shift gear mechanism, and a lower TCD, ensuring a comfortable and fatigue-free driving experience on Indian roads.
As of now, the Ashok Leyland 15-meter bus chassis is available in two variants:
- Front Rubber Ended Parabolic, Rear Air Suspension
- Fully Air Suspension
Both these chassis are expected to be available with and without retarder option.
Also Read: Full Specification: Volvo 9600 Sleeper & Seater Buses
Ashok Leyland 15-Meter Bus Chassis Seating Capacity
The Ashok Leyland 15-Meter Bus Chassis supports up to 42 sleeper berths in a 2+1 layout and 60 push-back seats arranged in a 2+2 configuration.
In comparison to the conventional 12-meter chassis, which provides 30 sleeper berths, the Ashok Leyland multi-axle bus chassis delivers a 40% increase in passenger capacity.
In comparison to the 13.5-meter chassis, which accommodates 36 sleeper berths, the Ashok Leyland Garud offers a 16% higher passenger capacity.
This enhancement not only improves passenger comfort but also optimizes revenue potential for operators by maximizing capacity on each trip.
Ashok Leyland Multi-Axle Bus Chassis Specifications
It might be disappointing for some, but the Ashok Leyland Garud utilizes the same engine platform as the Ashok Leyland 13.5-meter chassis, which was launched in 2022.
This front-engine bus chassis features a 5300cc inline four-cylinder CRS engine equipped with iEGR and SCR technology. It generates an impressive 248 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque.
Similar to the Volvo B9R, the Garud’s chassis includes a non-steerable pusher axle.
Here are the complete Ashok Leyland Garud 15-meter multi-axle bus chassis specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | FM2515.0F6R |
| Engine | A-Series, 4 Cylinder with i-Gen6 technology |
| Maximum power | 185kW (248hp) @2200 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 900Nm @ 1100-1800 rpm |
| DEF Tank | 48 Liters |
| Wheel Base | 7650 mm |
| Overall Chassis Length | 14765 mm |
| GVW | 22500 kg |
| Clutch | Rubber-ended Parabolic / Air suspension |
| Transmission | Diaphragm type with air-assisted hydraulic actuation |
| Front Suspension | Rubber-ended Parabolic / Air suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Air suspension |
| Steering | Integral power-assisted, Tilt & Telescopic |
| 1st Rear axle | Non Steerable Pusher Axle |
| 2nd Rear axle | Fully floating single reduction hypoid with Unitized bearing option |
| Braking system | Full air brakes dual line ‘S’ – cam with ABS I Disc Brake in Front Axle |
| Tyres | 295/80 R 22.5 Tubeless |
| Electrical system | Battery: 24 V 200 Ah I Alternator: 150 A |
| Fuel Tank | 375 L, Rectangular – Cross-linked polymer tank |
| Auxiliary brake | Engine brake, Electro Magnetic Retarder |
| Additional features | Provision for direct drive AC |
| Expected Mileage | ~ 3kmpl |
Also Read: Volvo 8900 Electric Bus Launched on the Latest BZR Electric Chassis Platform
Ashok Leyland 15-Meter Bus Chassis Price
As of now, there have been no official announcements about the price of the Ashok Leyland Garud multi-axle chassis.
However, after consulting with experts from both Ashok Leyland and the bus industry, we have gathered some estimated pricing information.
The expected price range for the Ashok Leyland 15-meter bus chassis is between Rs 50-60 lakhs.
| Variant | Expected Price |
|---|---|
| Front Rubber Ended Parabolic, Rear Air Suspension | Rs 50 Lakhs |
| Fully Air Suspension | Rs 55 Lakhs |
Please note that these prices are indicative and based on expert opinions. Ashok Leyland has not yet released any official pricing information.
Our Take on the Ashok Leyland Multi-Axle Bus Chassis
To be honest, Ashok Leyland’s multi-axle chassis seems to fall short in terms of power. To give you an overview, let’s compare the Ashok Leyland Garud to the next available multi-axle option in India – the Volvo 9600.
The Volvo 9600 15-meter bus offers a robust 350 hp and 1350 Nm of torque, significantly more than the 248 hp and 900 Nm provided by the Ashok Leyland 15-meter bus chassis.
This disparity in power might be a concern for operators who prioritize performance and speed, especially on long intercity routes.
However, the price of the Ashok Leyland 15-meter bus is substantially lower than the Volvo 9600, which costs more than 2 crores.
Even with the additional cost of a bus body, which is approximately 40 lakhs, a fully built Ashok Leyland multi-axle bus can be acquired for less than 1 crore.
This makes it an attractive option for bus operators who are willing to compromise on power in favor of cost-effectiveness.
If operators can manage with a slightly less powerful engine, the Ashok Leyland multi-axle bus chassis becomes a very appealing choice.
It offers significant savings while still providing a reliable and efficient solution for passenger transport. This option optimizes revenue potential by maximizing capacity on each trip, making it a practical investment for those focused on balancing cost and functionality.
