Ctrine Engineering Highlights End-to-End Bus Development Expertise at Busworld 2025

At Busworld 2025, Ctrine Engineering Pvt. Ltd. showcased its comprehensive capabilities in bus design and development, emphasizing its unique position as an end-to-end solutions provider in the electric bus market. Co-Founder Aditya Deshpande elaborated on the company’s innovative approach, which combines engineering services, product development, and turnkey support for OEMs and bus bodybuilders.

“We are not only providing engineering services but are also a product development company, one of the first in India and among the few globally offering end-to-end solutions,” said Deshpande. “From identifying the bus category to 1D simulation, styling, detailed engineering, validation using CAE techniques, and prototyping, we handle the entire process in-house, including tires, air-conditioning, and other subsystems.”

Ctrine has been active in the bus sector for 14 years and entered the electric vehicle market in 2016. The company introduced its monocoque chassis design product in 2018 under a Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) model, integrating components from over 130 suppliers worldwide. This allows OEMs to leverage a reliable supplier network while ensuring streamlined assembly and integration.

“Our expertise spans all bus types, from small feeder buses to large articulated buses, including intercity coaches and special-purpose vehicles,” Deshpande explained. “We’ve even developed a 10.5-meter double-decker bus, with 85% of the design completed and customization possible based on buyer requirements.”

The company’s PaaS model significantly reduces development timelines. Traditionally, a bus development cycle takes two and a half years, but Ctrine can bring buses to market within 14 to 16 months from order placement. This accelerated cycle is made possible through advanced simulation, detailed engineering, and global supplier integration.

Global Reach and Emerging Markets

Ctrine’s approach is highly adaptive to international markets. The company collaborates with clients across multiple continents and has leveraged India’s “Make in India” philosophy to establish partnerships with local suppliers in other regions. Currently serving customers across five continents and still expanding, Ctrine enjoys immense opportunities to explore local supplier ecosystems while aligning with international homologation standards.

Emerging markets, including Japan and Russia, have been identified as priority targets for expansion. Deshpande highlighted, “We recently visited Russia and engaged directly with potential manufacturers, facilitated by local embassies, to understand market requirements and identify suitable partners.”

Ctrine positions itself as a strategic partner for OEMs entering the Indian market. This includes identifying manufacturing locations, selecting suitable vehicle types, and guiding product introduction strategies. The company emphasizes customization, integrating passenger car design philosophies into buses to enhance ergonomics, aesthetics, and operational efficiency.

“Each bus is designed to be identically different, reflecting the philosophy and market approach of the client,” Deshpande said. “We have dedicated market research teams who interact with drivers and fleet operators to understand real-world challenges and integrate solutions into our designs.”

Innovative Electric Bus Solutions

Ctrine has pioneered several firsts in India’s electric bus market. The company recently introduced a 12-inch digital cluster (EPH) and electronic parking brake (EPB) for buses; the first of their kind in India; bringing advanced passenger vehicle features into the commercial segment. These innovations reflect Ctrine’s international exposure and commitment to elevating domestic standards.

The company’s growth trajectory is significant. Since adopting the PaaS model in 2018, Ctrine has seen increasing adoption by OEMs and bus bodybuilders. Deshpande noted, “While initial penetration was slow, we are now seeing substantial growth and anticipate a 5 – 6x expansion in the next 2–3 years.”

Success Stories in Bus Development

Ctrine’s portfolio includes notable collaborations. One success story involves a long-established Indian enterprise diversifying into the bus industry. Ctrine provided turnkey services, from styling to prototyping and homologation support for a 45-seater coach, enabling the company to enter a new business segment seamlessly.

Another project highlights a 20–25-year-old company focused on after-sales services that sought to become an OEM. Following discussions at Busworld 2023, Ctrine guided them through the design and development of their first bus for export, marking the company’s transition from supplier to manufacturer. Deshpande emphasized, “We aim to shift mindsets from suppliers to OEMs, enabling clients to embrace full-scale production and market entry.”

Outlook for the Bus Industry

Ctrine continues to innovate and expand its footprint in India and international markets. Its combination of engineering expertise, global supplier integration, and Product-as-a-Service model positions it as a trusted partner for OEMs and bus bodybuilders seeking rapid development, high-quality design, and market-ready vehicles.

“Our focus is to provide solutions that are customized, efficient, and market-oriented while supporting the electrification of buses globally,” Deshpande concluded. “We look forward to further growth and contributing to the next generation of bus manufacturing in India and abroad.”