RIYADH, 18 December — A sizeable fleet of Indian buses will be pressed into service for the first time to support Haj operations this year, it was announced here yesterday.
A leading Saudi business house, Abdulaziz & Mohammed A. Aljomaih Co., has signed an agreement with Indian automotive giant Ashok Leyland Ltd. to import its big-size Falcon coaches and mini-buses, which will be deployed to transport pilgrims between the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
“Initially, the agreement will be valid for three years during which Al-Jomaih will import a minimum of 40 buses every year,” Syed Parvez Hasan, production manager of Al-Jomaih Bus Plant, said.
He said that a sample bus has already arrived and is parked in the premises of the Al-Jomaih plant. It is available for inspection to major transport and utility companies.
Al-Jomaih Bus Plant is the largest body-assembling unit of its kind in the Kingdom. Some 300 buses are assembled annually at the facility.
Al-Jomaih, which has plans to set up a full-fledged manufacturing facility, is also the biggest General Motors dealer of the General Motors in the Middle East.
Ashok Leyland, which produces 29 types of medium and heavy-duty vehicles in different models, is one of the largest manufacturers of commercial vehicles and diesel engines in India. The company currently exports its vehicles and parts to over 32 countries worldwide.
Al-Jomaih’s Hasan said this was indeed a new development in the Saudi-Indian business relations, which have been progressively growing. Most of the Saudi companies, until now, have been importing American or European buses, bus parts and accessories, which are 40 percent costlier than the Indian buses and automotive parts.
Spelling out the terms of the agreement, Hasan said the Madras-based Ashok Leyland would provide all technical support to Al-Jomaih to maintain the fleet. “This business accord shall be valid until Sept. 30, 2004 and could be renewed for a further period, if agreed to by both parties,” said Hasan.
The agreement was signed by Hamad M. Al-Jomaih on behalf of Al-Jomaih and P. Ranganathan for Ashok Leyland.
Referring to the technical specifications of the Indian buses, he said the 66-seater Falcon buses have established a reputation for their reliability, superior performance and durability. “These buses are suitable for carrying pilgrims during Haj,” Hasan said, adding that Al-Jomaih was currently holding talks with private Haj transport operators like Tamimi Transport Co., Dallah Transport Co. and Public Security Department on the possibility of using the buses for Haj service.
Al-Jomaih will now be in a better position to cater to the needs of Saudi schools and colleges, which buy 150 to 200 large buses every year from the company, Hasan said.
He said that the mini buses will be ideal for schools to transport students.
