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Childhood passions and fascinations generally diminish for many as they grow up, but for few others they have become goals to achieve in life, Biswajit Baruah, Son of Late Dilip Kumar Baruah and Rekha Baruah, a native of Guwahati, Assam has a similar story. A native Assamese staying at Belagavi, Karnataka is an inspired Bus Entrepreneur, Enthusiast, Journalist and a Amateur CV-Photographer.

Buses have been a childhood passion for Biswajit. A product of KLS Gogte Institute of Technology, Belagavi - Biswajit is the founder and CEO of Hive Sustainable Solutions, a Belagavi based start up company, which deals with providing sustainable solutions of bus fleet operations and bus industry as a whole, in India. Biswajit has worked previously as a 'Mentor and Director' of a Bengaluru based start-up 'Bus-Bucket' and its sister concern 'Ozobus' , before starting his own venture - 'Hive' at Belagavi. Biswajit has expertise in Automobile and Bus Journalism. His initial start up initiative of Blog Writing through his Bus Blog took him to work as a freelance 'Consulting Editor' to India's premium Commercial Vehicle Magazine - 'Motor India'. He is also a guest writer for Belagavi's premiere news and current affairs website - 'All About Belgaum'.

Biswajit started his passion as an amateur Bus Photographer and till date have captured more than 100,000 pictures of buses. He is fond of gaining and sharing technical knowledge about mechanics and electronics which drive buses. He also likes heavy commercial vehicles like trucks, excavators, cranes etc. Biswajit visits expos and exhibitions Pan India to meet people from the bus and CV Industry and to learn about products and latest technologies. His Blog and his facebook page - 'Biswajit - SVM Chaser' is followed by many top bus companies and OEMs for insights and feedback. Biswajit is well known amongst the bus fleet operators in India and is well recognized by the top operators like VRL Travels, SRS Travels and KSRTC in Karnataka, for his views and insights regarding sustainable bus fleet operations and services.

With a Pan-India approach, Biswajit stresses on the required effort for sustainable bus transport in India. He believes that Passenger Service and the Bus Crew Category is the most sought area, which needs urgent attention to bring streamline development in bus services across the country. He is currently working in the fields of Smart Mobility, Bus Codes, Inter-Modal Transport, Sustainable Transport, Biofuel Drivelines, Zero Carbon footprint initiatives, ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems), MaaS (Mobility as a Service), Big Data, PPP (Public Private Partnership), Smart Ticketing, Contactless Payments, Electric Drivelines, Smart City Initiatives, Passenger Safety and Security, Digital Solutions for Vehicle Maintenance and Monitoring.

Biswajit have been highlighted by various print and digital media in the country for his passion for buses, which includes - 'The New Indian Express', 'Times Of India', 'All About Belgaum', 'Scania India Blog', 'Vijayavani Karnataka (VRL Media)', 'Darshan Belgaum', and 'Vijay Karnataka'. He was felicitated by Rotary Club of Dharwad Central, Karnataka for his outstanding contribution to the Bus Industry especially in the areas of sustainable transport solutions. Biswajit, won the Indian Achiever's Award for the 'Promising Start Up' Category in 2022, adding another achievement to his tally.

Apart from India, Biswajit is followed by and contacted by top bus experts from European countries like Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Norway, Finland and Asian Countries like Bangladesh, China, Nepal and Indonesia. With a zeal for his passion for buses and commercial vehicle industry, Biswajit have dared to dream big on his entrepreneur ventures to develop Indian Bus Industry, encompassing whole of India.
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ASTC AC Seater AS20 1880

1:17:00 PM Biswajit SVM Chaser 0 Comments

ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) AC seater AS20 1880 doing Guwahati City - Kamakhya Temple at Bharalumukh, Guwahati

ASTC AC SEATER AS20 1880 

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ASTC Ashok Leyland Jan Bus AC City Service AS20 1989

12:58:00 PM Biswajit SVM Chaser 0 Comments

ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) Ashok Leyland Jan Bus AC City Service AS20 1992 doing Jalukbari - Khanapara via Paltanbazar at Bharalumukh, Guwahati

ASTC ASHOK LEYLAND JAN BUS AC CITY SERVICE AS20 1989

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ASTC Hi-Tech Semi Deluxe Rural Service AS20 1675

12:49:00 PM Biswajit SVM Chaser 1 Comments

ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) Hi-Tech Semi Deluxe Rural Service AS20 1675 doing Guwahati - Mangaldoi at Bharalumukh, Guwahati

ASTC HI TECH SEMI DELUXE RURAL SERVICE : AS20 1675

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ASURTC (ASTC Subsidiary) TATA Marcopolo City service AS20 1767

12:27:00 PM Biswajit SVM Chaser 0 Comments

Assam State Urban Transport Corporation (ASURTC) - A subsidiary of ASTC TATA Marcopolo City Service AS20 1767 doing Panjabari - Jalukbari near Bharalumukh, Guwahati

ASURTC (ASTC) TATA MARCOPOLO CITY SERVICE : AS20 1767

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ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE AS20 1974

11:34:00 AM Biswajit SVM Chaser 0 Comments

ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) VOLVO 8400 B7R LE doing Guwahati LGBI Airport - VOLVO Point Ulubari near Bharalumukh, Guwahati

ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE : AS20 1974
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE : AS20 1974
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE : AS20 1974
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE : AS20 1974
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE : AS20 1974
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE : AS20 1974
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE : AS20 1974
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE : AS20 1974

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ASTC Ashok Leyland Jan Bus AC City Service AS20 1992

1:00:00 AM Biswajit SVM Chaser 0 Comments

ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) Ashok Leyland Jan Bus AC City Service AS20 1992 doing Jalukbari - Khanapara via Paltanbazar at Bharalumukh, Guwahati

ASTC ASHOK LEYLAND JAN BUS AC CITY SERVICE AS20 1992

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ASTC TATA Marcopolo City Service AS20 1808

12:48:00 AM Biswajit SVM Chaser 0 Comments

ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) Marcopolo City Service AS20 1816 doing Jalukbaari - Khanapara at Bharalumukh, Guwahati

ASTC TATA MARCOPOLO CITY BUS SERVICE : AS20 1818

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ASTC TATA Marcopolo City Service AS20 1816

12:39:00 AM Biswajit SVM Chaser 1 Comments

ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) Marcopolo City Service AS20 1816 doing Jalukbaari - Khanapara at Bharalumukh, Guwahati

ASTC TATA MARCOPOLO CITY BUS SERVICE : AS20 1816

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Sustainable Transport in India

3:18:00 PM Biswajit SVM Chaser 0 Comments

Sustainable transport systems must be a critical component of city planning in order for both people and the planet to prosper.

Everybody looks at cities and say they are so complicated and messy, and multisectoral. Change can come much quicker and easier if you have the right kind of leadership and solutions.

SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT IN INDIA

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Satnam Scania Metrolink HD Multiaxle Semi Sleeper

9:17:00 PM Biswajit SVM Chaser 0 Comments

Satnam Scania Metrolink HD Multiaxle Semi Sleeper started Pune - Hyderabad

For online Booking and Information : http://www.satnambus.com/

Pic Courtesy : Respective Owners

SATNAM SCANIA METROLINK HD MULTIAXLE SEMI SLEEPER
SATNAM SCANIA METROLINK HD MULTIAXLE SEMI SLEEPER
SATNAM SCANIA METROLINK HD MULTIAXLE SEMI SLEEPER
SATNAM SCANIA METROLINK HD 
SATNAM SCANIA METROLINK HD 

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MSRTC Shiv Shahi Scania Metrolink HD Demo Bus

8:10:00 PM Biswajit SVM Chaser 2 Comments

MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) Shiv Shahi Scania Metrolink HD Demo Bus

Pic Courtesy : Respective Owners


MSRTC SHIV SHAHI SCANIA METROLINK HD
MSRTC SHIV SHAHI SCANIA METROLINK HD
MSRTC SHIV SHAHI SCANIA METROLINK HD

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Parveen Travels - Go Green Buses

2:54:00 PM Biswajit SVM Chaser 1 Comments



PARVEEN TRAVELS CHENNAI - GO GREEN BUSES
Parveen Travels - An elite operator from the Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu has taken an initiative in helping the nation Go-Green by branding its Inter City Buses with Go-Green concept and at the same time every traveler in this bus would contribute a sapling towards the nation and help India be eco-friendly. 

As a part of their CSR initiative, Parveen Travels is donating a part of their Go Green Buses revenue to Dr Abdul Kalam Go Green Project. Parveen Travels Buses carry the Go-Green Branding in an attempt to spread the green environment initiative. The company has initiated this campaign in an effort to get people start thinking and stop anti-environmental activities. 

PARVEEN TRAVELS CHENNAI - GO GREEN BUSES
PARVEEN TRAVELS CHENNAI - GO GREEN BUSES
Acknowledgements : Parveen Travels Chennai, Tamil Nadu 

Support Go Green Concept, Log in : http://gogreen.parveentravels.com/

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GMTA TATA Marcopolo City Service in Guwahati

12:07:00 AM Biswajit SVM Chaser 0 Comments

GMTA TATA Marcopolo City Service in Guwahati

GMTA TATA MARCOPOLO CITY SERVICE IN GUWAHATI

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ASTC Tata Marcopolo City Service

11:36:00 PM Biswajit SVM Chaser 0 Comments

ASTC TATA Marcopolo City Service in Guwahati City

ASTC TATA MARCOPOLO CITY SERVICE
ASTC TATA MARCOPOLO CITY SERVICE
ASTC TATA MARCOPOLO CITY SERVICE
ASTC TATA MARCOPOLO CITY SERVICE

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ASTC Ashok Leyland AC Jan Bus AS20 1987

10:40:00 PM Biswajit SVM Chaser 0 Comments

ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) Ashok Leyland AC Jan Bus AS20 1987 doing Khanapara - Jalukbari at Ganeshguri

ASTC ASHOK LEYLAND AC JAN BUS : AS20 1987

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ASTC Ashok Leyland AC Jan Bus AS20 1983

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ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) Ashok Leyland AC Jan Bus AS20 1983 doing Khanapara - Jalukbari near Assam Secretariat, Dispur

ASTC ASHOK LEYLAND AC JAN BUS : AS20 1983

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Canara Pinto Travels introducing Scania on Mumbai - Mangalore route Soon

12:07:00 PM Biswajit SVM Chaser 0 Comments

Canara Pinto Travels will be introducing its 2nd pair of new Scania Metrolinks on Mumbai - Mangalore route soon

Pic Courtesy : Canara Pinto Travels

For Online Booking and Information, Log in : http://www.canarapinto.com/

CANARA PINTO TRAVELS SCANIA METROLINK HD MULTIAXLE SEMI SLEEPER

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[Journey Review] ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE : VOLVO Point Ulubari to LGBI Guwahati Airport

1:49:00 AM Biswajit SVM Chaser 0 Comments
Operator : ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation)

Category : VOLVO 8400 B7R LE (Low Floor) City Service

Regd Number : AS20 1974

Journey Route : VOLVO Point Ulubari to LGBI Guwahati Airport
                          LGBI Guwahati Airport to VOLVO Point Ulubari

Date of Journey : 15th January 2016

Departure (VOLVO Point Ulubari) : 12:30 Hrs    Arrival (LGBI Guwahati Airport) : 13:40 Hrs

Departure (LGBI Guwahati Airport) : 14:10 Hrs   Arrival (VOLVO Point Ulubari) : 15:20 Hrs

Amenities : N/A

Fare : Rs 130/- (One Way)


Journey Scheduling :

It was a long planned review journey on ASTC VOLVO 8400 Low Floor Coach, when i heard about the roll out of these coaches on the roads of Guwahati, watching the inaugural run of these premium coaches on Assamese Satellite News Channel in Belgaum, Karnataka. A planned winter visit during the year end of 2015 to my native of Guwahati, I set out to work on my planned review journey on 15th January 2016. 

Journey Day : 

It was a sunny bright day in Guwahati on 15th January 2016. I took an ASTC Ashok Leyland AC Jan Bus from Down Town Dispur to ASTC VOLVO Point Ulubari, which is the pick up point of the ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE Airport Service. Hassling through the mid noon Guwahati City traffic I reached the ASTC VOLVO Point at around 12:10 Hrs. Unaware of the service timings, I approached the booking counter and asked details. The person at the counter told me that there is a VOLVO service at 12:30 hrs. The one way fare is Rs 130/- INR. I booked a seat for the service and was alloted seat no : 12. Unfortunately there was no printed layout of the seats displayed at the counter, so that the passenger can have an idea of his booked seat location on the coach. The allotment of the seats were done on first come first serve basis. 


ASTC VOLVO POINT ULUBARI, GUWAHATI
TICKET FOR ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE FROM VOLVO POINT ULUBARI TO LGBI GUWAHATI AIRPORT

After collecting my ticket I waited outside the departure lounge, with my eyes anxiously waiting to have a look at the low floor 8400 coach. It was 12:30 hrs, but still the bus had not arrive. Passengers to Airport started enquiring about the same, the ASTC Officials told that the bus will be arriving within 5 minutes as it is struck due to traffic at paltanbazar near to the VOLVO Point. After 2 minutes, the beautiful Orange beauty - the ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE arrived with all its charm. After dropping all the Airport Passengers, the bus arrived at the departure point for its return trip to Guwahati Airport. 

ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 

While taking pics, I met an ASTC Airport Official who saw me clicking pics and enquired casually. When I told him about my work and passion, he was delighted and welcome on board. 
I boarded the coach and took my alloted seat at Seat Number : 12 (Window) located close to the middle exit door. Soon after boarding got complete, the VOLVO 8400 started its journey to Guwahati Airport. The ASTC Official who spoke to me, also joined me at the adjoining seat and we started chatting about the ASTC VOLVO 8400 Airport Service. The official also introduced me to the crew of the coach. 

Due to the traffic jam, in the city, the VOLVO crew decided to take the Guwahati By pass route rather than taking its regular City route, as it may delay the arrival of the coach at the Airport which may cause problem for people who need catch flights on time. 

The discussion with the ASTC Airport official continued as the coach soon touched NH37 towards Guwahati Airport. The wonderful VOLVO suspension glided the coach on the highway. One of the crew members also joined the discussion standing on the gangway, giving his feedback on the issues like absence of a VOLVO Service Centre in Guwahati and North East.


ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE CRUISING ON NH37 GUWAHATI BY PASS TOWARDS AIRPORT

I further discussed about driver training, bus safety norms and importance of Bus Codes. Sustainable Transport and development of infrastructure especially road conditions and need of multilaned highways was also a part of discussion. 
Assam and North east still lagged proper infrastructure due to which there were hindrances to bring World Class vehicles and run and connect cities of North East. Sustainable Transport also needs better and efficient infrastructure., with proper boarding and alighting points, better roads and good maintenance there after. 

Soon we crossed Guwahati ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminus) and approached Jalukbari towards the Airport. We reached Guwahati LGBI Airport at around 13:45 hrs. It took nearly one hour from the City limits to reach Airport. The Airport passengers were dropped outside the departure terminal, while stayed back on the bus as I had more technical things to be discussed with the crew of the coach. The same bus was scheduled to depart to VOLVO point Ulubari at 14:10 hrs from Guwahati Airport. I was able to notice another ASTC VOLVO 8400 about to leave, when had reach Airport Departure terminal. 

The VOLVO coach took a round from the departure terminal and waited at a point on the outward road till its departure. I took some pics of the coach at that point.  


ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 

The crew told me that it was time for the coach to be parked at arrival terminal of the Airport. Soon we moved to the arrival terminal


ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 

After parking the vehicle at Arrival terminal, me and the crew of the coach went for some refreshments at the cafeteria, while the ASTC Airport Officials made arrangements for the passengers who had booked tickets to travel to the City. For the convenience of the passengers, Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) have opened 2 booking counters at Guwahati Airport. One inside the Airport  at Arrival terminal and another outside the terminal. 

Here are some more pics clicked before my return journey to Ulubari :

ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE 
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE : CREW AND ASTC AIRPORT OFFICIAL
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE : ME IN GREEN CAP AND CREW OF THE COACH

Return Journey : 

After boarding of the passengers was completed, we left Guwahati Airport at 14:10 hrs exact for Ulubari VOLVO Point. The 8400 cruised at an average speed of around 60 kmph. The coach was speed locked at 60 kmph as told to me by the crew. Upon being asked the average fuel economy of the bus was told to me as 2.6 kmpl.

ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE


The coach was scheduled to go through Guwahati City, as it had drop points at major stoppages in the city. It took the Jalukbari - Maligaon - Bharalumukh - High Court - Railway Station - Paltanbazar - Ulubari route dropping passengers at respective stoppages. We reached ASTC VOLVO Point at around 15:20 hrs. As i reached the last stoppage, i got down the coach and took some final clicks through my lens 

ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE

Interior Pics : 

ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE
ASTC VOLVO 8400 B7R LE

I bidded a goodbye and exchanged greetings with the crew of the coach who have helped me getting information of the coach. It was a memorable to and fro VOLVO 8400 journey for me which i was planning from a long time before reaching Guwahati. I am looking forward to undertake a journey again on this coach. It was a wonderful experience and a nice time spent with the vehicle and its crew.


Summary and Ratings : 

Crew : In uniform. Well mannered. Rating : 5/5 

Bus Maintenance : 
  • Well maintained 8400 B7R LR Coach
  • Fire Extinguisher in place
  • Emergency hammers for all windows in case any emergency
  • Bus has provision for physically handicapped passengers
  • Electronic route boards provided and working well 
  • Cleaniness maintained well 
Rating : 5/5 

Speeding : Sedate driving. Coach speed locked at 60 kmph  Rating : 5/5 

Over all Rating : 5/5 


Conclusion and Feedback : 
  • Satisfied with ASTC's VOLVO 8400 B7R LE Airport Service
  • Good Passengers response and feedback
  • VOLVO 8400 B7R LE can also started on some premium routes within City
  • Provisions should be made in major city deluxe hotels for booking of the ASTC Airport Coach . Shuttle Coach can be provided for the passengers to catch the bus from VOLVO Point Ulubari. 

Will I recommend travelling on the Bus : YES !!! 

Thanks for reading my Journey Review.... 

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