BharatBenz has launched its new heavy duty intercity bus chassis called BB1924, designed for long distance passenger travel. The new bus comes with a gross vehicle weight of 19,500 kg, giving it higher capacity for passengers and luggage. The launch aims to support the growing demand for intercity travel and help bus operators improve revenue.

India’s bus market is now valued at more than USD 51 billion, and it is expected to grow in the coming years. This growth is driven by better road connectivity, more travel frequency, and government focus on mobility. With the BB1924, BharatBenz plans to capture a larger share of the premium intercity segment.

Speaking at the launch, Andamuthu Ponnusamy, head of bus business at DICV, said that the BB1924 brings a new approach to intercity mobility. He said the bus offers better safety, lower operating cost, and higher reliability. According to the company, field trials on major routes like Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Jaipur, and Chennai–Bangalore showed a clear reduction in total cost of ownership for operators.

Network and support

The new BB1924 will be available through 398 authorized touchpoints across India. The company has partnered with leading banks like HDFC bank, ICICI bank, and Bajaj finserv to offer financing options with an interest rate starting at 8.5%, and flexible EMI plans up to five years.

The bus also comes with a 6-year or 6 lakh km powertrain warranty, 24×7 roadside assistance, and 95% parts availability within 24–48 hours. BharatBenz also offers IoT based telematics, training programs in regional languages, and optional annual maintenance contracts to reduce downtime.

Focus on safety

Safety has been a key part of the chassis design. The BB1924 is equipped with ABS, electronic stability control, and a 5-stage electromagnetic retarder to improve braking performance on highways. The bus also uses high tensile chassis steel and comes with factory fitted Michelin radial tubeless tyres, giving better grip and longer tyre life.

Product features

The BB1924 supports up to 51+1+1 seats, and it is powered by a BS-VI diesel engine that produces 241 hp and 850 Nm torque. The fuel tank capacity is 380 liters, giving a range of more than 1,300 km on highways. The service interval is 60,000 km for the first service, and then 120,000 km after that, allowing longer operation between workshops.

With the new launch, BharatBenz expects to help operators improve earnings while offering passengers a safer and more comfortable intercity travel experience.