Ahemadhusen R Kheduvora doesn’t need a spotlight to shine. For the past 17 years, he has quietly and diligently built a life on the road—first behind the wheel of a bus in 2006, and for the last eight years, as a trusted driver on the Ahmedabad-Bhuj route for Chartered Speed. At 41, he’s more than just a driver. He’s a calm and steady presence, a guardian of over 50 passengers who place their faith in his hands each day.
Though he began driving professionally in 2006, his connection to the steering wheel began much earlier. “I was in the fourth grade, maybe eight years old,” he says with a quiet laugh. “We had vehicles at home, and my hands naturally found their way to the steering wheel.” What began as childhood curiosity slowly turned into a lifelong path.
Each day at 3 PM, he departs from Ahmedabad, piloting a Volvo 9600 coach—a machine he’s grown deeply familiar with. “Yeh gaadi chalana ek alag hi sukoon deta hai,” he shares. That peace, he explains, comes not just from the rhythm of the road but also from the confidence that the vehicle supports him.
“Volvo buses have come a long way,” he says, with genuine appreciation. “The cabin is comfortable, visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, and the power steering makes long journeys less tiring. The suspension absorbs the bad roads well, and the climate control keeps things pleasant. These are buses that truly understand both passenger and driver comfort.”
Despite years on the road, Ahemadhusen still treats each departure with precision. Before every trip, he inspects his bus personally—checking oil, water, tyres, lights, and brakes. “It’s our responsibility,” he says. “Everything should be perfect when people are trusting you with their time—and their lives.”
He doesn’t drive alone. A helper travels with him, and the bond with fellow drivers at the depot is strong. “We meet daily, prepare our vehicles together. It’s a routine that keeps us grounded. We look out for one another.”
His job demands discipline—calmness in chaos, punctuality amidst unpredictable roads. “There are jams, diversions, and breakdowns sometimes… but you learn to manage without panic. Passengers are depending on us. Some are catching flights. Timing is critical.”
Ahemadhusen doesn’t dramatize his experiences—he talks with quiet clarity and pride. “There are no big incidents to boast about,” he says. “Just the satisfaction of doing the job sincerely, keeping people safe, and being consistent every single day.”
He believes in respecting the profession, the passengers, and the machine. “This is a good line of work if you treat it with sincerity. I tell the younger drivers—technology will keep evolving, but your mindset must stay steady. Respect your work, and it will reward you.”
At home in Viramgam, life is simpler. He has two young sons who are focused on school. “They’re good with studies,” he says. “My wife handles everything. She’s proud of what I do but also worries, as any partner would.”
He doesn’t watch much TV. After a long trip, peace is what he seeks. “I just relax and watch a movie on my phone. It helps me switch off from the road.”
Even after nearly two decades, Ahemadhusen shows no signs of cutting corners. His checks are thorough, his approach disciplined, and his presence behind the wheel — reassuring.
He’s not just a bus driver. He’s a professional who understands the weight of his responsibility. He’s a guardian on wheels, steering lives forward—quietly, consistently, and with pride.
