Bengaluru-based Blue Hill Group recently announced the launch of their premium luxury coach service, Olivea, in the North Indian market. Starting from November 1, this year, two coaches will operate on the Delhi-Agra and Delhi–Chandigarh routes. With new coaches joining in shortly, the company will expand their network of operations from their hub in Delhi to other cities in North India, including Jaipur, Dehradun and Shimla. Launched in Bengaluru about 10 months ago, Olivea has about 10 coaches already in operation on scheduled routes such as Bengaluru-Chennai; Bengaluru-Tirupathi; and Bengaluru-Puducherry. Apart from Volvo, Olivea will soon be bringing out Mercedes coaches with similar features for operations in Delhi.
Touted as the most luxurious coaches in Asia, the multi-axle Volvo buses with exteriors designed by ‘automotive guru’, Dilip Chhabria; are equipped with modern gadgets such as wi-fi connectivity; hi-definition DTH TVs for each seat; leather reclining ergonomic seats with electronically operated calf and lumbar support; multi-level head rests; in-built washrooms and toilets, etc. The coaches with a trained Purser onboard, will also serve food and beverages to travellers. The coaches are also equipped with GPS and OCC systems for tracking and passengers can connect anyone through an IP camera.
Announcing the launch in Delhi, Prabhu Ramachandran, Managing Director, Blue Hill Group, said that the objective was to offer a safe, secure, and luxury travel experience on short-haul destinations, which is otherwise not available in India. He said that two coaches each would be added each month in the South and North Indian markets to increase frequency and their network of operations. “We plan is to have 100 premium ultra luxury coaches by 2015,” he said.