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.

[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

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

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

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 : 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

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

Interior Pics :

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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Blog Link : http://biswajit-svmchaser.blogspot.in/

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Interviewed by New Indian Express

On 3rd of September 2014, i was being interviewed by The New Indian Express Newspaper, in Belgaum (Karnataka) about my hobby of clicking and sharing pictures of Scania, VOLVO and Mercedes benz Buses. On 4th of September 2014, The New Indian Express shared my interview and thoughts about the same in their Belgaum edition. It was one of the most happiest moments in my life. I was happy that my hard work paid off with a good public support. Click on the above The New Indian Express Logo to read my interview.

Interviewed by Times of India

On 2nd June, 2015, I was being interviewed by Times of India Newspaper, in Belgaum (Karnataka), about my hobby and passion of clicking and sharing pics, and technical information on Scania, VOLVO and Mercedes Benz Buses, Trucks and other Heavy Commercial Vehicles. On 7th June 2015, Times of India Hubballi (Hubli) edition shared my interview. Being interviewed and focused into limelight for the second time, was a matter of great honor for me and for my passion. I was not only happy to see the good wishes coming in from my friends and my professors in college. But the enormous support from the people of transport and vehicle manufacturing industry in India and nice public support, have really inspired me to go ahead with my entrepreneur goals in life. Click on the above Times of India logo to read my interview.

Interviewed by Vijayavani Karnataka

Vijayavani is a part of the prestigious VRL group of Karnataka, which has VRL Travels also a part of its empire. My passionate story of my passion for Buses and Heavy Commercial Vehicles was well written by Vijayavani and i would like to thank them from my core of my heart for highlighting me and keeping my story in front of people. My story getting published in Kannada is a matter of happiness for me. Reaching to the public of State of Karnataka is a great joy for me, as i feel its the State of Karnataka - the land of VOLVO and Scania which have helped me to stand on my foot with success and so much of support from general public. Click on the above logo to read my interview to Vijayavani