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VRL Group
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VRL Logistics Limited (formerly Vijayanand Roadlines Ltd.),[6] commonly known as the VRL Group, is an Indian conglomerate headquartered in Hubballi, Karnataka, India with operations in around 23 states and 4 union territories in the country. Business operations of VRL Group include road transportation, logistics, publishing, etc.
Key Information
VRL Group is one of the largest logistics and transport companies in India (incl.4360 vehicles,[4] comprising 419 tourist buses and 3941 transport goods vehicles). The Limca Book of Records, states it is the single largest fleet owner of commercial vehicles in the country's private sector.[7]
VRL's Vijayavani[8] is credited with having the largest newspaper circulation in Karnataka.
History
[edit]VRL Group was founded by Vijay Sankeshwar in 1976 at Gadag, Karnataka, India. His family had a publication house, which later became a part of the VRL Group.[citation needed]
Headquarters and offices
[edit]VRL is headquartered in Hubballi, Karnataka and has 931 branches, 40 hubs and transport yards across the country. The headquarters has an effluent treatment plant (capacity:175 thousand liters), a rainwater harvesting plant, a petrol bunk (allotted by Indian Oil Corporation), and a garage service complex, where VRL’s trucks pass through once in every two weeks.[citation needed]
Services
[edit]
Cargo and Courier
[edit]A subsidiary of VRL Group, VRL General Cargo started its business service with transportation between Hubballi and Gadag, and later spread across to Bengaluru and Belagavi. It has extended into courier services and express cargo, which are now operative in 23 states, handling over 216 million pieces of cargo/year,[10] being one of the largest networks in the country. Its courier services are in operation for parcels ranging from small to large size.[citation needed]
Travel
[edit]VRL's public tour business is operated by its division Vijayanand Travels. With more than 80 branches and operated by 1000+ agents, it is the largest in tour business services in Karnataka and Maharashtra. It owns 1,550 buses (incl. 742 Volvo buses of 9400 XL and 9400PX multi-axle models),[11] covering six states, moving across 350 routes in the country.[citation needed]
Aviation logistics
[edit]VRL Logistics Ltd. in 2008, started working in Indian Air Chartering Industry, operating under the Indian Air Operator permit (for passenger charter). In the first phase of its business, it owned a Beechcraft Premier I, an aircraft, manufactured by Hawker Beechcraft Inc, United States, while in 2013 it purchased another. It offers Jet aircraft charters to sectors like corporate, leisure and tourism, special missions, event management, advertisement agencies and for flights (VIP category).[citation needed]
Media
[edit]VRL Group's flagship entity, Vijayavani was started on 1 April 2011, which is now the largest circulated newspaper[12] in Karnataka. VRL Group's subsidiary company VRL Media Ltd., prints Vijayavani and is published in 9 cities of the state.[13] Vijayavani’s lead editor of its editorial division is Chennegowder and Subhash hoogar. Karnataka's second largest circulated newspaper[citation needed] Vijaya Karnataka, was started by Vijay Sankeshwar (of VRL Group) in October 2000, and was sold to the Times group on 16 June 2006.[14]
In April 2017, VRL Media Ltd. started Dighvijaya News 24x7, a Kannada television news channel.[15]
In popular culture
[edit]Vijayanand, a 2022 Indian Kannada-language biographical film directed by Rishika Sharma, produced by Dr. Anand Sankeshwar, talks about the history of VRL group.
See also
[edit]- Courier in India
- Indian Postal Service
- Blue Dart Express, a courier service in India
- DTDC, a courier service in India
- Ekart, a courier service in India
References
[edit]- ^ "Our mission, our vision". Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
- ^ a b c "Currently the Largest Fleet Owner in India". Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
- ^ "Contact us". Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
- ^ a b "General Parcel & VRL Priority". Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
- ^ "VRL Logistics Annual Trends" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 May 2024.
- ^ "VRL Logistics Limited: Private Company Information". bloomberg.com. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
- ^ Vaidya, Pramodkumar (17 July 2013). "Hubli's Transport Tsar: Rise Vijay Sankeshwar's VRL Logistics into a nearly Rs 1,000 crore company". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 7 March 2018.
- ^ "ವಿಜಯವಾಣಿ · ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರ ಧ್ವನಿ". ವಿಜಯವಾಣಿ. Archived from the original on 13 August 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ^ "V.R.L. Couriers Pvt. Ltd. Chamrajpet, Bangalore". sulekha.com. Archived from the original on 9 June 2018.
- ^ "Project on Logistics management in VRL Logistics". ISSUU.com. 19 May 2012. Archived from the original on 25 February 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ^ IANS (15 January 2016). "VRL Logistics buys 51 Volvo buses". Archived from the original on 18 August 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2017 – via Business Standard.
- ^ "ABC verdict- Vijayavani is the leading Kannada daily". exchange4media.com. 16 October 2014. Archived from the original on 7 June 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
- ^ "VRL Media Ltd – Vijayavani Advertisement (ವಿಜಯವಾಣಿ)". Vijayavaniadvt.com. Archived from the original on 12 August 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ^ "Times group buys Vijaya Times, two Kannada dailies". business-standard.com. 16 June 2006. Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 16 June 2006.
- ^ "VRL Media launches Kannada news channel, Dighvijay". exchange4media.com. 17 April 2017. Archived from the original on 18 April 2017. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
External links
[edit]- Official website of VRL Group Archived 28 January 2022 at the Wayback Machine
VRL Group
View on GrokipediaOverview
Founding and scope
VRL Group traces its origins to 1976, when Vijay Sankeshwar established the company in Gadag, Karnataka, leveraging his family's longstanding involvement in the printing and publishing sector to venture into goods transportation. Starting with a single truck, Sankeshwar aimed to provide reliable road transport services in North Karnataka, marking the shift from family-run publication operations—focused on Kannada literature, dictionaries, and newspapers—to a dedicated logistics enterprise. This foundational step laid the groundwork for what would become a major player in India's transport industry.[3][12][13] Today, VRL Group functions as a diversified conglomerate with core operations in logistics, passenger road and air transport, and media publishing, serving a broad customer base across 24 states and 5 union territories in India. Its logistics arm handles less-than-truckload (LTL) goods, full truckload services, and courier operations, while passenger services include bus networks and charter air travel. The media division encompasses the prominent Kannada newspaper Vijayavani, continuing the group's publishing heritage. This multi-sector scope reflects strategic expansions to meet evolving market demands in transportation and communication.[6][14][15][16] The group's scale is underscored by its entry in the Limca Book of Records as India's largest private sector owner of commercial vehicle fleets, a testament to its growth from modest publishing-transport beginnings into a leader in multi-modal logistics. This diversification has enabled VRL to integrate road, air, and supply chain services, prioritizing efficiency and nationwide connectivity without venturing into unrelated fields.[3][17]Fleet and operational reach
VRL Group's fleet consists of approximately 5,949 owned vehicles as of August 2025, including trucks for less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) services and buses for passenger transport, supported by over 1,200 branches and a carrying capacity exceeding 85,000 tons as of March 2025, enabling efficient passenger and cargo operations across its network.[18][6][5] The company's infrastructure supports this fleet through 50 hubs and multiple transport yards strategically located nationwide, complemented by environmental initiatives such as a 175,000-liter effluent treatment plant and an on-site petrol bunk at its headquarters to manage operations sustainably.[15][19] Geographically, VRL Group provides coverage across 24 states and 5 union territories in India, with specialized capabilities in less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) transportation to serve diverse regional demands.[20] This operational scale underscores its significant role in India's logistics sector.[21]History
Early establishment
Vijay Sankeshwar founded the VRL Group in 1976 in Gadag, a small town in North Karnataka, initially leveraging his family's involvement in a modest publication house that would later integrate into the broader conglomerate.[22] This establishment marked the beginning of a diversified enterprise, though the core operations quickly pivoted toward transportation amid the economic constraints of the time. The group's initial foray into transport occurred that same year, with cargo services commencing between Hubballi and Gadag using basic vehicles, starting with a single truck to handle goods transportation on regional routes.[23] This modest setup reflected the rudimentary infrastructure available for logistics in rural Karnataka, focusing on short-haul deliveries to meet local demand for reliable parcel movement. Early operations were hampered by limited resources, including minimal capital and a small fleet, which constrained expansion in a pre-liberalization India where regulatory hurdles and underdeveloped road networks limited opportunities beyond regional boundaries in Karnataka.[3] Despite these challenges, the emphasis on efficient, customer-oriented service laid the groundwork for sustainability in a competitive, resource-scarce environment. By the early 1980s, VRL had solidified logistics as its primary business, transitioning from familial publishing ties to a dedicated transport focus, culminating in the formal incorporation of Vijayanand Roadlines Private Limited in 1983 to support growing operations.[15]Growth and diversification
In the 1980s and 1990s, VRL Group focused on expanding its cargo transportation network beyond its Karnataka origins, extending operations to multiple states including Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh while significantly scaling its vehicle fleet. Incorporated formally as Vijayanand Roadlines Private Limited in 1983, the company rebranded to VRL in 1994 and grew its fleet to over 150 trucks by the mid-1990s, enabling broader regional coverage and increased capacity for goods transport.[15][3] This period marked a shift from a single-truck operation to a more robust infrastructure, with services reaching key cities such as Bangalore, Hubli, and Belgaum.[3] In 1996, VRL diversified into passenger transport through its Vijayanand Travels division, enhancing its multimodal logistics offerings.[24] This was followed by aviation in 2008 when it acquired a Beechcraft Premier 1A aircraft to launch air chartering services. This aviation entry represented a strategic progression from surface transport, allowing the group to cater to high-value cargo and executive travel needs.[25][26] The 2010s saw further diversification into media, with the launch of the Vijayavani newspaper on April 1, 2012, which quickly became one of Karnataka's largest circulated dailies, and the Dighvijaya News 24x7 Kannada channel in April 2017.[27][28] Complementing these expansions, VRL Logistics went public with an IPO in April 2015, raising approximately ₹492 crore to fuel further growth.[29] In September 2022, VRL Logistics sold its passenger bus operations to promoter entity Vijayanand Travels Private Limited for ₹230 crore via slump sale, allowing a sharper focus on goods transportation.[15] Up to 2025, VRL continued modernization efforts, including fleet upgrades to BS-VI compliant vehicles for environmental compliance and efficiency, alongside the integration of digital tracking systems featuring GPS, real-time monitoring, and in-house software for enhanced operational transparency. In July 2025, the board approved a 1:1 bonus share issuance, with the record date set for August 14, 2025, reflecting strong financial reserves and shareholder value enhancement.[6][14]Organizational structure
Headquarters and branch network
VRL Group's primary headquarters is located in Hubballi, Karnataka, serving as the central hub for administrative functions, employee training, and logistics coordination across its operations. The corporate office is situated at Giriraj Annexe, Circuit House Road, Hubballi - 580 029, while the registered and administrative office is at RS No. 353/1, Varur, Post Chebbi, Taluk Hubballi, District Dharwad - 581 207. These facilities include a dedicated drivers' special training center focused on safe driving practices and a workshop for vehicle servicing and maintenance, ensuring efficient oversight of the company's nationwide activities.[30][31][32] The branch network comprises 1,054 company-owned branches, 50 transshipment hubs, and 149 agency offices as of 31 March 2025, strategically distributed across 24 states and 5 union territories in India to optimize regional coverage and support seamless goods and passenger services. This extensive infrastructure enables centralized fleet management and customer service from Hubballi, with hubs located at key points such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Mysuru for efficient transshipment. The headquarters also incorporates eco-friendly initiatives, including waste treatment and disposal systems alongside rainwater harvesting, which have contributed to raising the local water table and promoting sustainability.[6][33][34] The network has evolved significantly since its inception, originating from a single base in Gadag, North Karnataka, in 1976, and expanding into a pan-India structure by the early 2000s through strategic additions of branches and hubs to meet growing demand. This growth reflects VRL's transition from regional operations to a comprehensive national presence, with ongoing expansions adding over 500 branches and several hubs in recent years.[3][17][35]Leadership and governance
Vijay Sankeshwar founded VRL Group in 1976, initially starting with a single truck under the name Vijay Transport, and has served as its Chairman and Managing Director since inception, overseeing day-to-day operations as a promoter.[36] His early career began in the family-owned printing and publishing business, which later integrated into the group's media division, providing foundational experience in logistics and media operations.[22] Sankeshwar's leadership has emphasized efficiency and reliability in the company's expansion from road transport to a diversified logistics entity.[37] As of 2025, the board of directors comprises a mix of promoter family members, executive directors, non-executive directors, and independent directors to ensure balanced oversight. Key executives include Dr. Anand Sankeshwar, son of the founder, serving as Managing Director responsible for marketing and finance; L. R. Bhat as Executive Director; and Raghottam S. Akamanchi as Non-Executive Director.[38] Independent directors such as Shantilal Jain, Shankar Vasantrao Pinge, and Dr. D. V. Guruprasad contribute to governance through specialized committees. Succession planning is evident in the appointment of Shiva Sankeshwar, a third-generation family member, as Non-Executive Director to groom future leadership with modern perspectives.[36][39] Following its initial public offering in April 2015, VRL Group has complied with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements regulations, enhancing corporate governance standards.[40] The board maintains dedicated committees, including the Audit Committee chaired by independent director Shantilal Jain, which oversees financial reporting and internal controls, and the Risk Management Committee led by Vijay Sankeshwar, focused on operational and strategic risks in line with SEBI Regulation 21.[41] Promoter holdings have trended downward, decreasing by approximately 9.35% over the last three years to 60.24% as of September 2025, reflecting gradual diversification of ownership while retaining family control.[8] Sankeshwar's long-standing affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including terms as a Member of Parliament from 1998 to 2004 and 2014 to 2019, has influenced the company's ethos toward disciplined operations and community-oriented values, aligning with broader national development priorities.[42][43]Core services
Goods transportation and courier
VRL Group's goods transportation services primarily encompass less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) operations for general cargo, alongside specialized parcel and courier handling. LTL services consolidate consignments from multiple customers into a single vehicle for efficient point-to-point delivery, while FTL provides dedicated transport for larger shipments. The company handles parcels with dedicated facilities, supporting diverse cargo needs across industries.[33][21] The network spans 24 states and 5 union territories, originating from the foundational Hubballi-Gadag route in Karnataka where operations began in 1976 with a single truck. This extensive coverage includes over 1,250 branches and hubs, enabling seamless connectivity for freight movement nationwide. Customers benefit from real-time tracking through the VRL Courier app and online portal, which provides updates on consignment status using unique reference numbers.[44][3][45] Innovations in the segment include eco-friendly practices such as route optimization to minimize emissions and integration of last-mile courier solutions tailored for e-commerce, ensuring delivery to remote areas. These enhancements support sustainable operations and faster fulfillment for online retailers. As of September 2025, VRL is one of the largest players in domestic road freight, recognized as the largest private fleet owner, bolstered by its owned fleet of approximately 5,950 vehicles with a capacity of over 85,000 tons.[46][47][18][48]Passenger travel operations
Vijayanand Travels, the dedicated passenger transport arm of VRL Group, manages a fleet of over 300 luxury buses, including premium Volvo multi-axle models, serving over 350 routes that connect nearly 100 destinations across six states: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, and Goa.[31][49] This extensive network supports intercity travel, catering primarily to tourists and daily commuters with a focus on reliability and comfort. The company has expanded its fleet with orders for 550 intercity buses in 2023 and 100 Volvo buses in 2024.[50][51][52] The services offer a range of bus types, including AC and non-AC sleeper coaches, semi-sleeper, and seater configurations to accommodate varying passenger needs. Key amenities enhance the travel experience, such as charging points, individual entertainment screens on select long-distance routes, live bus tracking via mobile apps, blankets in AC buses, and scheduled stops at hygienic, high-quality food outlets.[53][31] These features prioritize passenger convenience on extended journeys, with options for online booking, route information, and promotions available through the official website https://www.vrlbus.in/, alongside real-time updates.[54][53] Safety and regulatory compliance form the foundation of operations, with all buses staffed by two drivers per trip and equipped with fire extinguishers, anti-collision devices, and anti-sleep alerts to mitigate risks and adhere to Indian road transport standards.[55][56] Post-2010s enhancements, including rigorous driver training and vehicle maintenance protocols, have contributed to reduced incident rates through proactive measures like advanced monitoring systems.[55] As a prominent player, Vijayanand Travels holds the position of leading private bus operator in South India, particularly for tourist and commuter services in Karnataka, bolstered by its expansive coverage and customer-centric approach.[52][55]Specialized divisions
Aviation logistics
VRL Group's aviation operations, now under Vijayanand Travels (a subsidiary), began in 2008 with the acquisition of a Beechcraft Premier I aircraft for charter services, enabling passenger transport solutions as part of its diversification strategy. A second Beechcraft Premier I was added in 2013. In 2023, the aviation business was transferred to Vijayanand Travels, which obtained a new Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). As of January 2025, the fleet includes a Gulfstream G150 aircraft.[57][58][59] The division's operations focus on charter passenger services for corporate clients, leisure, tourism, event management, and special missions, complementing the company's road-based network for multimodal travel. This provides efficient connectivity, particularly for time-sensitive passenger movements. All activities adhere to DGCA standards, including NSOP requirements for airworthiness and safety in private charters.[25]Media and publishing
The VRL Group's media and publishing operations trace their roots to the company's founding in 1976, when the Sankeshwar family's involvement in publishing laid the groundwork for what would become VRL Media Private Limited, now encompassing multiple titles focused on Kannada-language content.[22] Vijayavani, the flagship Kannada daily newspaper, was launched on April 1, 2012, by VRL Media Private Limited, initially with three editions in Bengaluru, Hubballi, and Mangaluru.[60] It has since expanded to multiple editions across Karnataka, including print versions in major cities and a digital e-paper platform offering live editions and archives.[27] According to the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) data for July-December 2022, Vijayavani achieved an average circulation of 551,994 copies, positioning it as one of the highest-circulated Kannada newspapers in the state. In 2017, VRL Media ventured into broadcasting with the launch of Dighvijaya News, a 24x7 Kannada news channel dedicated to regional coverage of Karnataka, including politics, social issues, and local events, operating from studios in Bengaluru.[61] The channel emphasized unbiased journalism and community-focused reporting to serve Kannadiga audiences. In 2023, VRL Media's broadcast division, including Dighvijaya News, was acquired by Republic Media Network and rebranded as Republic Kannada, though VRL retained its print and digital assets.[62] The media arm fosters synergies with VRL's core logistics business by leveraging its platforms for targeted promotions of transportation services and supporting community engagement through initiatives like local awareness campaigns on road safety and regional development.[63]Financial performance
Revenue trends
VRL Group's revenue trajectory reflects steady expansion from its origins as a regional cargo operator in the 1980s, when operations were limited to local trucking in Karnataka with minimal scale. Over the decades, the company scaled nationally through fleet growth and network development, culminating in total revenue of ₹2,909 crore for FY2024 (ending March 2024), marking a compound annual growth rate of approximately 12% in recent years driven by increased freight volumes.[64][65] For FY2025 (ending March 2025), total revenue reached ₹3,161 crore, reflecting a 9.43% increase from FY2024, driven by higher operational volumes.[6] The goods transportation segment remains the primary revenue driver, accounting for over 80% of total income through less-than-truckload services, while passenger travel and media divisions contribute smaller shares via bus operations and publishing activities, respectively. This dominance underscores VRL's focus on core logistics, with goods transport revenue benefiting from consistent demand in domestic supply chains.[6][8] Key growth catalysts post-2010 include geographic expansion into additional states like Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, alongside strategic e-commerce partnerships that boosted parcel volumes amid India's online retail surge. These initiatives, coupled with operational enhancements such as new branch openings, propelled revenue increases of 10-15% annually in the mid-2010s.[66][67] In 2025, VRL reported flat revenue of ₹796.5 crore for Q2 FY26 (July-September 2025), compared to ₹799.4 crore in the prior year, amid broader market headwinds including fluctuating freight rates and economic slowdowns affecting tonnage. This stability highlights resilience in core operations despite challenges.[68]Key financial metrics and recent results
VRL Group's profitability demonstrated resilience in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 (Q2 FY26), with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) rising 14.2% year-over-year to ₹151.4 crore from ₹132.6 crore, driven by cost optimizations and improved operational efficiencies.[68] This resulted in an EBITDA margin of approximately 19%, up from 16.6% in the prior year, reflecting stronger margins amid stable revenue conditions.[68] Net profit for the quarter surged 39% year-over-year to ₹49.9 crore, supported by the enhanced EBITDA and controlled expenses, including a reduction in fuel costs from 28.6% to 25.6% of total income.[69] The company's Q2 FY26 results were announced on November 3, 2025, highlighting a return to profitability growth following a period of moderated expansion. Additional financial indicators underscore VRL Group's solid balance sheet position. Promoter holding remained stable at 60.24% as of September 2025, with no significant changes reported in recent quarters.[70] The stock traded at 4.36 times its book value as of November 2025, indicating a reasonable valuation relative to net assets.[8] In July 2025, the board approved a 1:1 bonus share issue—its first ever—effectively doubling outstanding shares, with allotment completed by September 2025 to reward long-term shareholders.[71] Looking ahead, analysts maintain a positive outlook, with Nuvama issuing a 'Buy' recommendation and a target price of ₹390 per share as of November 7, 2025, implying approximately 44% upside from the then-current levels around ₹270.[72]| Metric | Q2 FY26 Value | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| EBITDA | ₹151.4 crore | +14.2% |
| EBITDA Margin | 19% | +2.4 pp |
| Net Profit | ₹49.9 crore | +39% |
| Book Value Multiple | 4.36x | N/A |
