VRL Group

VRL Group of companies are one of the leading business group of Karnataka state, India. The company has its headquarters at Hubballi. The Group has business interests in road transportation, logistics, publishing etc. VRL is an abbreviation of Vijayanand Roadlines Limited. The company started by Vijay Sankeshwar in 1976 at Gadag. Vijay Sankeshwar's family was into business of publishing books and guides for students. He entered into business of road transport to ferry goods and cargo by the name of VRL. VRL later started private bus services in between cities and towns of Karnataka, which were later expanded to other states of India. The VRL has wide network of branches throughout South India and Maharashtra.

From this beginning VRL has grown into a logistics and transport company which is currently the largest fleet owner in India with a fleet of 3579 Vehicles (Including 488 tourist buses & 3091 Goods Transport Vehicles) as of 28 February 2013. VRL finds mentioned in the Limca Book of Records as a single largest fleet owner of commercial vehicles in India in the private sector.

Vijay Sankeshwar started Vijaya Karnataka, a Kannada language daily newspaper in Kannada published by VPL. VPL i.e.; Vijay Printers Limited a subsidiary of VRL also published an English daily called Vijay Times. [1] These newspapers were later sold to the Times of India group. Vijay Sankeshwar was also a former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from north Dharwad constituency. [2]

After the expiry of a non-compete clause in March 2012, the VRL Group has launched a new Kannada newspaper called Vijaya Vani. [3] [4] [5]

VRL General Cargo

Starting with local transportation between Hubli and Gadag, VRL soon expanded its services to Bengaluru, Hubballi, Belagavi and Gadag. VRL has grown into a logistics and transport company which is currently the largest fleet owner in India with a fleet of over 2500 trucks, light commercial vehicles and over 250 buses.

It has now expanded its operations into Courier Services and Express Cargo. Today VRL handles over 6000 MT of parcels every day adding up to 216,000,000 MT of cargo per annum.

With the largest network in India, the VRL parcel services is indispensable for large number of corporates. This network spans 12 states in India and is supported by around 1000 branches, 40 hubs cum transport yards and about 5000 customers. With its own trans-shipment yard commencing operation at Gurgaon-Delhi in the near future, VRL is now expanding its services to cover location in other North Indian State.

VRL Express Cargo

Road transportation, express cargo, warehousing, re-distribution and courier services. Services now connect customers in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Pondicherry, Western Maharashtra and Gujarat. This network will soon stretch to the other parts of North and East India.

VRL Courier

Delivering documents and small parcels.

Centralised Operations at Hubli

At the core of the groups transport business is its 40 acre transport cum warehouse complex in Varur, Hubli. This unique facility has all the essential back up services under one roof. The total built up area of complex is 25,00,000 sq. ft. with an additional 1,00,000 sq. ft. of land utilized for sheds and vehicle parking. This complex contains the Head Office Building, Transhipment Godown, Workshop, Canteen, Drivers Rest Room, own Petrol Bunk allotted by Indian Oil Corporation, Effluent Treatment Plant with capacity of 1,75,000 ltrs., and a Rainwater harvesting plant. The complex has a garage cum service complex. Every truck in the fleet passes through this master service facility at least once every 2 weeks.

Vijayanand Travels

Vijayanand Travels, the tour operation division of VRL, is the market leader among tourist bus operators in Karnataka and Maharashtra. It operates a fleet of approximately 550 buses on more than 350 routes across the six states and is supported by a network of 80+ branches and 1000+ agents.

It has pioneered the introduction of Hi-Tech Air conditioned buses including the Volvo B7R, B9R and i-shift models on routes leading to remote parts of Karnataka and also connecting Karnataka with five other states, separate seating arrangements for women on board, a choice of buses from ordinary buses to super luxury A/C buses, cloak room facilities in branches, check point to monitor vehicle movement, two drivers on the buses to prevent driver fatigue and enhance passenger safety and an E-Ticketing facility.

VRL Logistics - Aviation Division

In 2008, VRL Logistics Ltd. paved its way into the Indian Air Chartering Industry. It was a gradual progression for the company, from Surface Transport to Air Transport. The Indian Aviation Industry has experienced a tremendous growth in the last few years, more so in the Private Aviation Sector. Keeping in mind emerging the market demand VRL decided to enter the Air-charter Industry and serve VVIPs, VIPs & Corporate India.

In the first phase, VRL has acquired a brand new Beechcraft Premier IA aircraft, manufactured by Hawker Beechcraft Inc, USA. VRL offers the Jet aircraft on charter basis to the Corporate sector, Leisure and Tourism sector, Special Mission charter, Event Management, Advertisement Agencies and VIP flights.

In 2013 The Company has added another Beechcraft Premier I into its fleet.

References

  1. ↑ "Vijayanand Roadlines to invest Rs 400 cr for expansion". 10 Dec 2005. Hindu Business Line. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
  2. ↑ "Biography page on Loksabha". Lok Sabha. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
  3. ↑ "Sankeshwar to 'disrupt' Kannada papers, again". 06 June 2012. Business Standard. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
  4. ↑ "‘Vijaya’ Means Competition for Kannada Newspapers". 14 June 2012. Daijiworld. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
  5. ↑ "VRL Media launches Kannada daily, Vijayavani". 03 Apr 2012. exchange4media. Retrieved 21 June 2012.

Links to External internet sites