Mayank Kukreja on Guru Ram Dass Body Builders’ Growth and Evolution

Mayank Kukreja, CEO of Guru Ram Dass Body Builders, shares insights into the company’s tech-driven approach and bold vision for delivering structurally advanced, India-ready buses.

From its modest beginnings in Nangloi in 1982, with just ten workers and a dream, Guru Ram Dass Body Builders (GRD) has carved a legacy of grit, growth, and game-changing innovation. Today, it stands tall among North India’s top bus body builders, operating out of a cutting-edge production facility in Bahalgarh, Haryana.

At the heart of this evolution is Mayank Kukreja, GRD’s next-generation CEO, who’s fusing the company’s rich legacy with modern manufacturing technology. Under his leadership, GRD today has matured into a dynamic, design-led powerhouse known for premium builds and customized solutions.

In this exclusive interview, Kukreja pulls back the curtain on Guru Ram Dass Body Builders‘ state-of-the-art operations and bold ambitions. He discusses how the company is leveraging technology and smart engineering to deliver buses that are not only structurally sound but also tailored to India’s diverse and demanding mobility landscape.

Guru Ram Dass Body Builders has come a long way since its Nangloi days. Can you give us an overview of your current Bahalgarh facility, including its size, workforce, and production capacity?

Our Bahalgarh facility spans over 3 acres and is designed for smooth, efficient production, with a streamlined assembly line that helps us maintain quality at every stage. We’ve built a strong team of over 200 skilled professionals who handle everything from fabrication to finishing and final checks. 

Right now, we’re producing around 35 to 40 buses a month, which adds up to about 400–450 a year. In FY 2023–24, we rolled out 427 buses across different models and customer segments—our strongest year yet.

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What’s new on the product front? Any standout models or design features that reflect where the market is heading?

We recently launched the G-Dragon, a 41-seater bus built with intercity and tourist travel in mind. It’s got a sleek design, more luggage space, improved seating comfort, and better airflow, things our customers have been asking for. We’re also adding modern touches like modular lighting and FDAS (fire detection and alarm systems), which really raise the bar for safety and user experience.

Currently, we’re working on a luxury coach series that’s going to set a whole new benchmark. The Indian market hasn’t seen anything quite like what we’re about to roll out.

Is there a recent project you’re particularly proud of? What made it challenging, and how did your team tackle it?

Definitely! We just rolled out the 29 T3 Diesel Monobuses in the Delhi-NCR region, and the entire team did a commendable job. And it was a bold move because the market there is heavily skewed toward CNG here. The big challenge was changing customer perception, getting them to see diesel not just as viable, but better suited for short-trip tours and travel needs.

We focused on improving luggage space, interior layout, and overall design aesthetics. With strong backend support from Force Motors, we delivered a value proposition that outperformed expectations. It’s now being viewed as a reliable upgrade option by fleet operators in the region.

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How is Guru Ram Dass Body Builders embracing sustainable practices in manufacturing? 

We are actively adopting sustainability in multiple layers, right from optimized raw material usage to incorporating energy-efficient LED lighting systems. We are exploring eco-friendly coatings and adhesives and improving thermal insulation to reduce the load on AC systems.

Additionally, our facility is transitioning toward solar power for auxiliary needs, and we prioritize low-waste processes during fabrication.

You work with major chassis manufacturers like Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and BharatBenz. How do you make sure your bus bodies integrate seamlessly with their platforms?

Our engineering team is well-versed with the specifications and tolerances of all major OEM chassis platforms. We work closely with their technical teams to ensure dimensional accuracy, weight distribution, and mounting point compatibility.

Pre-assembly validations, vibration analysis, and pre-delivery inspection (PDI) are conducted to deliver a bus body that complements the underlying chassis and performs reliably on Indian roads.

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With electric mobility gaining ground, what’s Guru Ram Dass Body Builders’ take on EV adoption and how do you see your role in this evolving space?

We recognize the growing importance of clean energy and the shift toward electric mobility worldwide. However, the technology is still developing and isn’t fully ready yet, in our opinion. For the time being, India’s immediate and practical needs are still best served by internal combustion engine platforms, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities.

Diesel buses continue to offer reliability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness in areas where EV infrastructure is either insufficient or inconsistent at the moment.

We still see immense untapped potential in diesel-powered solutions, and our current focus remains on optimizing these platforms with improved safety features, ergonomics, and operational efficiency. 

As of now, we do not have plans to enter the electric bus segment, as we believe our clients are still inclined towards tried-and-tested solutions that align with ground realities rather than just future trends. 

Our goal is to build smarter, more efficient ICE-based buses that deliver long-term value without compromising on comfort, compliance, or customization.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a bus body builder, and how are you tackling them to keep things running smoothly?

1. Shortage of skilled manpower – We address this through regular on-site training and mentorship programs.
2. Supply chain volatility – We maintain strategic reserves of key components and diversify suppliers.
3. Regulatory changes – Our compliance team stays updated and adapts designs accordingly.
4. Rising material costs – We streamline material usage through design optimization and negotiation with vendors.
5. Customer awareness gaps – We engage closely with clients to educate them on quality benchmarks and long-term value

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What major trends do you foresee shaping the Indian bus and coach industry over the next five years, and how is Guru Ram Dass Body Builders positioning itself to stay ahead of the curve?

Key trends will include smart infotainment systems, modular interiors, and safety-first design. We are investing in R&D to stay ahead, prototyping safety-first designs, integrating fire and emergency systems, and even working on smarter lighting and air circulation. Plus, we’re strengthening our digital presence to better connect with customers and improve after-sales support.

Looking ahead, how does Guru Ram Dass Body Builders plan to stand out at major trade shows? Are there any specific markets, domestic or international, that you’re targeting for expansion?

Yes, we’re definitely excited to showcase our Monobus and staff transport solutions at events like Busworld India and other Auto Expos. Our focus will be on highlighting the innovation we bring in comfort, safety, and customization. 

On the international front, we’re exploring markets in Africa and Southeast Asia, where there’s a demand for durable and cost-effective buses. Our expansion will be steady, but with a clear focus on meeting those market needs.