Starting with just three vehicles and no prior industry experience, Manoj Padikkal transformed Padikkal Travels into a trusted name in school transport and tourism through relentless determination, consistency, and a focus on quality. He shares how one opportunity grew into a long-term vision driven by innovation, discipline, and people-centric values. From integrating AI for enhanced safety to building strong industry relationships, his journey is a blend of tradition and technology. More than just managing vehicles and routes, his story is about building trust, upholding responsibility, and making a meaningful difference through dependable service.
What was one of the most significant early hurdles you encountered when starting Padikkal Travels in 2003?
When I started Padikkal Travels in 2003, I had no prior experience in the transport industry. What truly sparked the journey was the faith of a well-placed contact who gave me a chance to manage transport services. I saw potential in the opportunity and decided to move forward with just three vehicles. From there, every phase has been a learning process. One of the biggest early hurdles was stepping into a completely unfamiliar field, but I was committed to learning quickly and making the most of every opportunity that came my way.
Was there a specific reason or experience that made you focus on the transport sector?
The journey into the transport sector wasn’t something I had planned. It began with a single opportunity. Someone saw a potential in me and offered me my very first contract. I didn’t have experience, but I had determination. After successfully handling that, nearby schools began reaching out, asking if I could take on their transport services, too. That’s when it clicked. I saw a real opportunity to build something meaningful. What started by chance turned into a calling. I realised that with hard work, trust, and consistency, I could create a service that made a difference in people’s daily lives.
Alongside school transport, you’ve built a strong presence in travel and tourism. How different is it in terms of challenges and customer expectations?
Travel and tourism come with their own set of challenges. But compared to school transport, it’s definitely more flexible. School transport demands constant vigilance; you’re responsible for the safety of young children every single day. There’s no room for error. Even a single day off isn’t an option, and if a bus breaks down, it has to be resolved immediately. The expectations are much higher because parents are trusting you with what matters most to them. In tourism, while safety is still a priority, the urgency and emotional responsibility aren’t as intense. Managing school transport teaches you discipline, precision, and accountability, and those values carry over to every other part of the business.
In an industry where people and reliability are key, what approach do you take to manage service issues and maintain customer satisfaction?
It begins with having the right team. A strong HR foundation allows us to hire people who not only have the necessary skills but also share our core values—safety, punctuality, and professionalism. We also prioritize vehicle maintenance; every bus is serviced regularly by our in-house team at our own facility, ensuring we’re always prepared. Just as important is staying in close contact with our clients. We proactively seek their feedback, conduct regular site visits, and maintain open lines of communication. When challenges come up, we respond swiftly and personally—because in this business, everything revolves around trust.
After two decades of growth, what guiding principle has consistently shaped your business decisions?
One principle I’ve never compromised on is quality—and being available to clients at all times. In a service-based business like ours, reliability and consistency are the foundation of trust. Many of our clients have stayed with us for over ten years, and that’s because we’ve always focused on building genuine relationships, not just delivering services. Being accessible, responsive, and committed to maintaining high standards every day has been key to our long-term growth and the strong partnerships we’ve built.
Your business spans several states and serves many institutions. How do you ensure consistency in service across different locations?
Consistency starts with building a strong foundation, clear systems, well-trained staff, and a shared commitment to quality. Across all our locations, we follow the same standard operating procedures and maintain strict checklists for vehicle maintenance, safety protocols, and daily operations. Our teams are regularly trained and monitored to ensure they uphold the same standards, no matter where they are. We also conduct site visits, gather regular feedback from clients, and stay in constant touch with our teams on the ground. It’s this hands-on approach and attention to detail that help us deliver a seamless experience across the board.
Is there a piece of feedback from a school or parent that had a lasting impact on how you run the business today?
Definitely. Some of the most impactful insights came during our early days, often in the form of constructive criticism. Rather than seeing it as a setback, we embraced it as a chance to grow. That feedback played a key role in shaping the systems and standards we follow today. I was reminded early on never to get too comfortable and to always keep evaluating and improving. One moment that has stuck with me was when a school principal said, “I don’t have to think twice about transport anymore.” It wasn’t said with fanfare, but it spoke volumes—it reflected the trust we had built through consistency and commitment.
During tough phases in your journey, who or what has been your anchor?
There have been many testing moments—unexpected breakdowns, staffing issues, and regulatory hurdles—and it’s during those times that my family’s support has made all the difference. Whether it was their encouragement during rough patches or simply their patience through long hours and stress, they’ve always been there. More than anything, they’ve been my foundation. In a business where decisions affect hundreds of lives daily, having a space that keeps you grounded is vital. For me, that grounding force has always been my family. Their unwavering belief in me has given me the clarity and strength to move forward with confidence.
You hold key positions in transport associations like the Kerala Interstate Bus Operators Association and the Bus Operators Confederation of India. How has this exposure shaped your perspective on industry-wide challenges, and do you use those insights to influence your own business decisions?
Being in leadership roles within these associations has given me a much broader view of the transport industry. It’s made me aware of how different the rules, regulations, and taxation systems are across states, what works in one state can be completely different in another. I’ve also seen firsthand some of the key challenges we all face, like driver shortages, regulatory hurdles, and the slow pace of technological adoption in the sector.
At the same time, these roles have helped me build strong networks and stay ahead of industry changes. The insights I gain from discussions with operators across the country often inform how I run my own business. Whether it’s preparing for policy shifts, adopting new technologies, or simply learning from the experiences of others. It keeps me grounded but also forward-looking.
How do you see technology, especially AI, shaping the future of school transport, and how have you started incorporating it?
Technology—especially AI—is playing a transformative role in school transport, and we’ve already begun adopting it at Padikkal Travels. We use AI-enabled systems to detect and prevent drunk driving, monitor driver fatigue, and instantly alert us if a driver shows signs of drowsiness. GPS-based route optimisation ensures timely pickups and drop-offs, while onboard cameras provide live monitoring for both driver behavior and student safety. We’ve also implemented fuel theft alert systems to ensure better control and efficiency. These innovations have not only improved safety but also helped build greater confidence among our clients. As the transport industry advances, embracing such technology is no longer a choice—it’s essential for progress and accountability.
Are there any global practices in school transportation you think India should adopt?
Yes, I often look to countries like Germany and the Netherlands, where school transport is managed with a high degree of discipline and structure. One standout practice I admire is the enforcement of road safety rules around school buses—vehicles are strictly prohibited from overtaking when children are boarding or getting off. Designated pickup and drop-off zones near schools are clearly marked, and traffic is regulated to prioritize student safety. While India has made strides in this space, adopting such structured road rules and infrastructure would greatly enhance safety and bring more order to our school transportation systems.
Can you share a bit about your family and how they contribute to the success of your business?
My family has been the backbone of this entire journey. My wife, Reshmi Manoj, is not only a postgraduate but also one of the Directors of Padikkal Travels. She actively manages various operations behind the scenes and ensures the business runs smoothly. Our daughter, Megha, also serves as a Director. She holds a BA in Economics (Honours) from Christ College, Bengaluru, and recently completed her MA in Public Policy from O.P. Jindal Global University. Her academic insight brings a policy-oriented, analytical perspective to our operations.
Our son, Madhav, is currently in 12th grade, pursuing arts and humanities in Bengaluru. He has already shown a genuine interest in the business and is eager to contribute in the future. Padikkal Travels is very much a family-driven venture, built on a foundation of trust, shared values, and collective commitment.
What key mindset should aspiring entrepreneurs adopt to succeed in a demanding business?
The most important mindset shift is understanding that there are no shortcuts—success is the result of daily hard work, consistency, and unwavering discipline. There will be challenges, and tough days are inevitable, but your ability to stay focused during those times will shape your path.
Even after all these years, there are nights I finish work at 2 a.m. and still wake up by 4 a.m. to ensure everything is on track. That level of commitment isn’t optional—it’s part of the responsibility. It’s great to dream big, but those dreams only take shape when you’re willing to put in the sustained effort, every single day.
Pic Courtesy: Pegasus Photography/ images are subject to copyright
