The 25-year-old engineer began her bike riding journey with a desire to ride at the age of 14, which she expressed to her uncle who advised her to put the pedal to the metal, quite literally. Thus began the 14-year-old’s first bike venture. She debuted on a Hero Passion and later got her first Activa at the age of 18. Since then, there was no looking back for Das. Her love for motorcycles further transcended into her academics, making Das take up Mechanical Engineering at a degree level.
In 2016, Das enrolled herself into the Ambey Valley Drag Race-India Speed Week after being motivated by her friends and family while being completely oblivious to the car racing scenario in India. However, the following year, she participated in both car and bike categories and came home with the title of ‘Fastest Female on Bike’. Although the biker began her racing career with cars, she prefers racing on bikes as she believes that track car races are way more expensive to be a part of.
During the drag race event, she was noticed by several senior riders who then helped her participate in the selection round for India’s first female bike racing team powered by TVS Racing. Among the 60 participants who were pitted against each other to make it to the first-ever team, 15 racers were selected, which also included Das. She praises TVS for taking up the initiative to promote racing for women and believes that it has certainly increased the number of women entering the industry.
“The initiative taken up by TVS has helped motivate women to get more involved in motorsports. I remember, in 2016, when I took part in drag races, there were around 400-450 boys and just four or five girls in the entire competition. After the TVS racing team was set up, the number of girls participating doubled. As years passed by, the number went on increasing. I believe the more racers the people see, the more awareness it will create,” she said.
Similarly, Das also got into racing after being inspired by Alisha Abdullah, India’s first female national racing champion. She recollects being trained by Abdullah in the TVS team as one of her luckiest days.
Further down the road, Das felt the need to move forward. She clearly believes in the phrase, the bigger the better. So she waited till she turned 21 to officially start her bus driving training. However, she was up for a bumpy ride. Most training centres mocked and questioned her ability to handle a heavy vehicle, being a woman. This further fuelled her drive to get trained. Expecting the worst, she reluctantly applied for the BEST training course as her last resort. However, the team was more than happy to train her and she received her licence soon after. On completing the training period, the 24-year-old was informed of the feat she had achieved – the triumph of becoming the first female to complete the training under BEST.
Another major laurel that came her way was the Great Asian Odyssey, a 15,000 km road trip with fellow bikers, covering the vast Southeast-Asian region of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka, where she proudly represented India at key places.
On being asked about difficulties a woman might face on roads, Das said, “None.” She says most people are more than happy to help a female rider. She recalls how women in rural areas come to strike up a conversation and get genuinely fascinated to see a female bike rider. In terms of personal needs too, she believes that most roads are fairly equipped.
Talking about family support, Das affirms that her mother’s complete support is what has helped her move forward. Despite receiving flak from other members of the family or even outsiders, her mother has stood by her like a rock. She says that even though many people have brought up the ‘girl factor’ to stop her from going on long trips, her mother always nodded ‘yes’ to her crazy adventures. However, Das also makes sure to be responsible while on trips by regularly informing her mother of her whereabouts.
Das has recently ventured into YouTube video creation space with her first introduction video already up for viewing. She aims to make content in her native language Telugu as a way to connect to the people back home, as most people mistake her to be a Mumbaikar. Apart from this, she also plans to feature her riding and travel videos and also use it as a platform to motivate more people into motorsports. She credits YouTuber Tagore Cherry, aka Cherry Vlogs, for persuading her into starting her own YouTube channel.
Commenting on her future goals, she says her next target is to ride to the Mount Everest base camp, which will be a challenge she would like to embark on. Additionally, she would also like to try her hand again at car racing. She also mentions the BMW S 1000 RR to be her dream bike. (MT)
TVS Motor Company Reports Strong Q1 With 20% Revenue Growth
- By MT Bureau
- August 01, 2025
Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has announced its financial results for Q1 FY2026, with a significant 20 percent increase in revenue for the first quarter.
The company's revenue climbed to INR 100.81 billion, up from INR 83.76 billion in the same period last year.
The company's profitability also saw a major boost. Operating EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) grew by 32 percent to INR 12.63 billion, with the operating margin improving to 12.5 percent from 11.5 percent. This led to a 35 percent increase in Profit After Tax (PAT) to INR 7.79 billion.
During the period, TVS Motor registered its highest ever quarterly sales, with overall two- and three-wheeler sales growing by 17 percent to 1.27 million units. This includes motorcycles sales at 621,000 units, up 21 percent, scooters at 499,000 units, up 19 percent, three-wheelers sales at 45,000 units, up 46 percent and electric scooters at 70,000 units, up 35 percent YoY respectively.
Ather launches 450S variant with 161km range at INR 146,000
- By MT Bureau
- July 31, 2025
Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ather Energy has launched a new variant of its 450S electric scooter, featuring an upgraded 3.7 kWh battery pack that delivers an IDC range of 161km. Priced at INR 145,999 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), the new model offers an extended range while maintaining the performance DNA of the 450 series.
The variant is positioned to bridge the gap between the entry-level 450S 2.9 kWh and the higher-end 450X. It features the same 5.4 kW motor producing 22 Nm of torque, a claimed top speed of 90 kmph, and zero to 40 kmph acceleration in 3.9 seconds.
Ravneet Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said, "The 450 series has always set the bar for performance, technology, and reliability in the Indian electric scooter market. With the launch of the 450S featuring a 3.7 kWh battery pack and an IDC range of 161km, we're bringing the extended range previously exclusive to the 450X. The new 450S variant is specifically designed for riders who prioritise the sporty appeal and long-range capability of the 450 series over the advanced software features of the 450X. With an IDC range of 161 kms offered by the new 450S, riders can now confidently plan longer journeys and still experience the thrilling performance the 450 series is renowned for, all at a more accessible price."
The new 450S retains the sharp styling and build quality of the 450 range, while offering four riding modes – Smart Eco, Eco, Ride and Sport. It also comes equipped with a 7-inch DeepView Display, Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, AutoHold, Fall Safe, OTA updates and access to the Ather Grid fast-charging network.
Bookings are now open, with deliveries set to begin from August 2025. Ex-showroom prices for the new variant are INR 148,047 in Delhi, INR 148,258 in Mumbai, INR 145,999 in Bengaluru and INR 147,312 in Chennai.
The scooter is covered under Ather’s 'Eight70' warranty programme, which offers 8 years or 80,000 km of coverage, guaranteeing 70 percent battery health during the period.
Eicher Motors reports strong Q1 performance, Royal Enfield and VECV lead growth
- By MT Bureau
- July 31, 2025
Eicher Motors (EML) has reported its highest-ever Q1 revenue in FY2026, reaching INR 50.42 billion, up 14.8 percent YoY, from INR 43.93 billion last year.
The EBITDA grew by 3.2 percent to INR 12.03 billion, while Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at INR 12.05 billion, up 9.4 percent from INR 11.01 billion in Q1 FY2024-25.
During the quarter, Royal Enfield sold 261,326 motorcycles, which was 14.7 percent higher as compared to 227,736 units sold in the corresponding period last year.
VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) posted INR 56.71 billion in revenue, up 11.9 percent from INR 50.70 billion, while EBITDA grew by 32.6 percent to INR 5.11 billion. The company sold 21,610 CVs in Q1, compared to 19,702 in the previous year. VECV’s revenue and EBITDA are not included in Eicher Motors’ consolidated financials, and its profit contribution is reflected as a single line in EML’s consolidated PAT.
B Govindarajan, MD, Eicher Motors, and CEO, Royal Enfiled, said, “At Eicher Motors, we’ve had a solid start to the year, with encouraging growth across both Royal Enfield and VECV. We continue to build consistent momentum in volumes, profitability and the strength of our overall portfolio. At Royal Enfield, we have sustained our growth momentum in the first quarter, anchored by our continued focus on product innovation, immersive riding experiences and a deeper expression of pure motorcycling. The refreshed Hunter 350 continues to be a key marker of growth for us, both in terms of volumes and community engagement. Moving ahead on our global ambition, we further strengthened our reach in the SAARC region and expanded our portfolio in Nepal with the locally assembled Classic 350. With a refreshed pipeline of motorcycles and a growing ecosystem of curated rides and culture-first experiences, we are shaping a vibrant and inclusive motorcycling movement. VECV, too, has delivered consistent growth, anchored in a strong product portfolio and a sharp understanding of India’s evolving commercial mobility needs. Our continued investment in sustainable, efficient transport solutions ensures we are well-positioned for the future. As we move forward, our commitment to long-term value creation remains strong – through customer-centric innovation, global ambition, and meaningful brand experiences at every level.”
Vinod Aggarwal, MD and CEO, VECV, and Vice Chairman, Eicher Motors, said, “CV delivered its best‑ever first quarter with 21,610 units in Q1 FY’26 (up 9.7 percent year‑on‑year) and broadened its footprint in a largely flat market. Overall market share improved to 18.7 percent (vs 17.3 percent last year), led by continued leadership in LMD trucks (34.5 percent share) and a strong showing in Buses, where Total Bus volumes grew 14.8 percent and market share rose to 21.5 percent. Exports grew by 20.5 percent over last year. Deliveries of all electric Eicher Pro X in SCV segment (2.0–3.5T) continue to gather momentum. Heavy‑Duty volumes were marginally lower reflecting a lower total market despite market share gains. Our connected vehicle solution “My Eicher” now connects 150,000 customers representing 350,000 vehicles. VECV reported strong revenue growth and expansion in profit margins linked to better volumes, pricing and cost discipline. PAT was lower as compared to previous year primarily due to one off impact in Q1 FY’25 linked to deferred tax reversal.”
VECV also reported improved market share in LMD trucks and buses, and growth in electric vehicle deliveries and exports.
TVS Ntorq 125 Super Soldier Edition Launched At INR 98,117
- By MT Bureau
- July 25, 2025
Chennai-based two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company has launched the TVS Ntorq 125 Super Soldier Edition in the Marvel Avengers Super Squad series at INR 98,117 (ex-showroom Delhi).
The TVS Ntorq Super Soldier Edition builds on the company’s successful collaboration with Marvel, and features a striking camo-inspired theme.
The Bluetooth-connected Smart scooter (SmartXonnect) remains mechanically unchanged, featuring a 124.8cc, air-cooled engine that produces 9.5hp and 1.5Nm of power.
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