Sundargarh, Odisha — Ashok Leyland has opened a new light commercial vehicle (LCV) dealership in Rourkela, expanding its network in Odisha to seven.

Background Ashok Leyland’s LCV portfolio comprises the Bada Dost, Dost, Saathi, Partner and Mitr models, and more than six lakh LCVs are currently operating across India. The company has maintained a strong presence in Odisha, and the Rourkela outlet marks its seventh LCV dealership in the state. The new centre is operated by channel partner SteelEx India and is situated at Brahmani Tarang, Vedvyas, Rourkela. It houses a sales showroom, a fully equipped service bay with twelve service bays, and a dedicated spares department. Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland Ltd., said, “Odisha has always been an important market for us, and we are excited to further strengthen our presence in this region. Our relationship with customers is built on trust, performance and shared growth.”

The dealership’s inauguration was attended by senior officials from the state transport department, local business leaders and representatives of SteelEx India. During the ceremony, Ashok Leyland demonstrated the latest Saathi model, highlighting its 45 hp engine, 110 Nm of torque and a payload capacity of 1,120 kg. The company has also showcased the Bada Dost and Partner variants, allowing potential buyers to experience the vehicles’ handling and comfort first‑hand. The event underscored the firm’s commitment to delivering reliable transport solutions to small and medium enterprises in the region.

Community Impact The new outlet is expected to stimulate economic activity by creating direct employment for technicians, sales staff and administrative personnel, as well as indirect jobs in ancillary services such as logistics and parts distribution. By expanding the service network, Ashok Leyland will reduce vehicle downtime for local operators, thereby improving productivity for businesses that rely on LCVs for goods movement. The company’s national network now includes over 945 customer touchpoints, ensuring that spare parts and technical support are readily available. Moreover, the introduction of the Saathi small commercial vehicle has opened a sub‑2‑tonne segment, offering a cost‑effective alternative for entrepreneurs seeking to upgrade from older, less efficient trucks.

The Bada Dost range is built on a dedicated LCV platform and is offered in several configurations to suit diverse cargo requirements. The Dost line includes the Dost XL and Dost+ XL models, both of which feature reinforced chassis and enhanced suspension for rough terrain. Partner targets the two‑tonne payload market and is available in four‑tyre and six‑tyre variants, providing flexibility for different load profiles. The Mitr bus, designed for staff and school transport, combines safety features with comfortable seating, reinforcing Ashok Leyland’s focus on passenger‑oriented commercial vehicles.

What Happens Next With this expansion, Ashok Leyland is poised to consolidate its position in the Odisha market. The company will continue to invest in service infrastructure, training programmes for technicians and digital tools that streamline after‑sales support. As demand for efficient, low‑emission LCVs grows, Ashok Leyland intends to introduce additional models that meet emerging regulatory standards and customer expectations. The Rourkela dealership therefore represents both a milestone and a stepping stone toward broader regional growth, reinforcing the firm’s pledge to deliver trustworthy, high‑performance commercial vehicles across Odisha and beyond.