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MG Group Starz Signals New Chapter in Passenger Mobility

MG Group Introduces Starz Premium Coach at Prawaas 2026, Secures Initial Order for 50 Vehicles

Bus and coach manufacturer MG Group has introduced its new premium coach platform, Starz, at Prawaas 2026 in Gandhinagar, as the company seeks to expand its presence in India’s passenger transport market. The company said the launch has already resulted in a confirmed order for 50 coaches, with customer bookings opening during July and deliveries planned to begin later this year.

The unveiling took place during the three-day Prawaas 2026 transport exhibition at the Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar. The event was inaugurated by Gandhinagar Mayor Smt. Miraben Patel, while Shri Kaushik Jain, MLA from Dariapur, attended as Guest of Honour. Prawaas, organised by the Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI), has become one of India’s major exhibitions for public transport, bringing together vehicle manufacturers, transport operators, technology companies, government agencies and industry suppliers to discuss developments in passenger mobility. This year’s edition focuses on safe, smart and sustainable transport. The exhibition runs from July 9 to 11.

MG Group’s latest coach has been developed for intercity travel, tourism, corporate staff transport and institutional fleets. The company said Starz will be offered in several layouts with diesel as well as alternative fuel options, allowing operators to select models that match their business requirements. The expected starting price is around Rs 39 lakh, although the final cost will depend on the chosen configuration and application.

India’s bus industry has been changing steadily over the past decade. State Transport Undertakings, private fleet operators and corporate transport providers are placing greater attention on passenger safety, operating costs, fuel efficiency and travel comfort. Government safety regulations, higher customer expectations and growing interest in cleaner transport technologies have encouraged manufacturers to redesign products and modernise production facilities. These factors have increased competition among bus builders that serve both public and private transport operators.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Anil Mohan Kamat, Chairman & Managing Director, MG Group, said, “India’s passenger transportation sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by higher expectations around safety, comfort, reliability and sustainability. Starz represents our response to these changing market dynamics. It embodies decades of manufacturing expertise, deep customer understanding and a relentless focus on innovation. More importantly, it reflects our commitment to creating mobility solutions that deliver long-term value for operators while elevating the travel experience for passengers.”

The company said Starz was designed after discussions with fleet operators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and customers. It features updated styling, improved cabin space, safety-focused engineering and lower operating costs over the vehicle’s working life. MG Group believes these features can help transport operators improve vehicle availability while maintaining passenger comfort.

MG Group has more than three decades of experience in bus and coach manufacturing. The company supplies vehicles to OEMs, State Transport Undertakings (STUs), private operators and institutional customers. Its product range covers economy buses, premium coaches, school buses, staff transport vehicles, defence applications and customised mobility solutions. The company says it has delivered more than 100,000 buses in domestic and overseas markets since beginning operations, reflecting its long presence in the sector.

Manufacturing is divided between two production centres. The Belagavi plant in Karnataka focuses mainly on premium and super premium coaches. The facility includes fabrication, welding, painting, trimming and quality inspection operations. According to the company, the plant has an annual production capacity of about 3,000 economy buses and 1,800 premium coaches.

The second manufacturing unit, located in Zaheerabad, Telangana, produces school buses, staff transport vehicles, mofussil buses and institutional transport solutions. The company said it continues to invest in production efficiency, lightweight composite materials, workforce training and manufacturing systems to support rising demand.

Safety remains a major area of focus across the company’s product range. MG Group said its coaches are developed with attention to structural strength, fire protection measures, passenger evacuation systems, driver ergonomics, vehicle stability and regulatory compliance. Such features have become increasingly important as India’s commercial vehicle safety standards continue to evolve.

Alongside vehicle development, manufacturers across the industry are investing in lighter materials, digital engineering tools and production methods aimed at reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact. The shift is influenced by government efforts to improve public transport while lowering emissions and operating costs. Alternative fuel technologies and more efficient vehicle platforms are expected to play a larger role as transport operators gradually modernise their fleets.

Referring to the company’s long-term plans, Mr Kamat said, “Starz is not merely a new coach platform; it is a reflection of our long-term vision for passenger mobility. Our focus has always been to combine design excellence with engineering precision. Through Starz, we are delivering a product that is aesthetically refined, operationally efficient and built to meet the future requirements of the transportation industry.”

He also outlined the company’s wider outlook, saying, “India is poised to become one of the world’s most dynamic passenger mobility markets. The future will be defined by innovation, safety, sustainability and customer-centricity. MG Group is committed to leading this transformation through continuous investment in technology, manufacturing excellence and strategic partnerships. Our goal is to create mobility solutions that not only meet the needs of today but also anticipate the demands of tomorrow.”

The launch of Starz, together with the initial order for 50 coaches announced during Prawaas 2026, represents MG Group’s latest effort to strengthen its position in India’s premium passenger transport market. As demand grows for buses that offer better safety, lower operating costs and improved passenger comfort, manufacturers are expected to compete by introducing vehicles that meet changing regulatory standards and the needs of transport operators across the country.