BharatBenz has strengthened its position in India’s intercity transport segment with the launch of its new 19.5-tonne heavy-duty bus, the BB1924. Developed by Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), the model targets operators seeking higher passenger capacity, better operating efficiency, and enhanced safety as the long-distance travel market continues to expand.
According to the company, India’s bus industry is currently valued at over USD 51 billion and is expected to grow more than 5% annually through 2030. The BB1924 has been designed to help fleet operators tap into this rising demand for faster, safer, and more comfortable intercity travel.
Capacity and efficiency
The BB1924 has a GVW of 19,500 kg, allowing configurations of up to 51+1+1 seats along with ample luggage space. It is powered by the OM926 6-cylinder BS6 OBD-II diesel engine, delivering 241 bhp and 850 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed synchromesh gearbox suitable for highway cruising.
Its 380-litre fuel tank provides a claimed range of over 1,300 km, reducing refuelling stops on long routes such as Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Jaipur, and Chennai–Bengaluru, where the bus has already undergone field trials. Maintenance intervals have also been extended, with the first mandatory service at 60,000 km and subsequent checks every 1,20,000 km, supporting a chassis service life of 10–15 years.
Comfort and safety features
The BB1924’s heavy-duty platform includes pneumatic suspension at both ends, anti-roll bars, and a high-tensile steel frame (255 x 73.3 x 7 mm) for structural rigidity. Safety features include ABS with EBD, Electronic Vehicle Stability Control (EVSC), a 5-stage electromagnetic retarder to reduce brake wear by up to 40%, cruise control, brake-hold assist, and factory-fitted Michelin 295/80 R22.5 radial tubeless tyres. Driver information is displayed on a TFT screen, and the company also provides driver training and predictive maintenance support using IoT telematics.
Financing and after-sales support
The BB1924 will be available through BharatBenz’s 398 authorised touchpoints nationwide. To support small and mid-sized operators, the brand has partnered with over 15 banks and NBFCs, offering interest rates starting at 8.5% and EMI options up to five years.
Each bus comes with a 6-year/6-lakh-km powertrain warranty and optional AMC packages of the same duration. BharatBenz claims 95% parts availability within 24–48 hours, backed by a 92% localisation level and nationwide supply chain. Round-the-clock roadside assistance and a dedicated customer support helpline are also included.
With the BB1924, BharatBenz expands its market reach as bus operators shift to higher-capacity platforms to meet growing passenger volumes while raising standards for comfort, reliability, and safety.
