Journey of Our Founder – Mr Raghunandan Kedia
The Humble Beginnings: 1970s
Sudarshan Cars began its remarkable journey in the early 1970s, a time when the concept of car rentals in India was still finding its feet. Founded by the visionary Mr. Raghunandan Kedia, the company started with a single Ambassador car—a symbol of Indian motoring at the time. This lone vehicle served as the foundation of what would become one of India’s most trusted names in car rental services.
In those days, car rentals were a luxury, accessible only to a few. The market was dominated by informal arrangements, often lacking in reliability and professionalism. Mr. Kedia recognized the untapped potential in this space and envisioned a service that combined trust, punctuality, and customer care. With a focus on quality over quantity, he personally managed bookings, maintenance, and customer service, often going the extra mile to satisfy clients.
Growing Pains and Persistence: 1980s
The 1980s brought their fair share of challenges. Infrastructure was underdeveloped, spare parts were hard to come by, and expanding a business in such conditions required relentless grit. But with unwavering support from his wife and family, Mr. Kedia began expanding the fleet. Gradually, additional vehicles were added—a Fiat here, a Premier Padmini there.
Word-of-mouth played a crucial role during this time. Clients began to appreciate Sudarshan Cars’ punctuality and reliability, and slowly, a loyal customer base began to form. Car rentals started becoming a more accepted form of transportation for weddings, business meetings, and intercity travel. While larger cities were witnessing the beginnings of modernization, in smaller towns, Sudarshan Cars was already setting the benchmark for dependable service.
The Era of Expansion: 1990s
The economic liberalization of the 1990s ushered in a new wave of opportunities for Indian businesses. With markets opening up, corporate travel surged and tourism saw a significant boost. Sudarshan Cars seized the moment. The company made strategic investments in expanding its fleet, introducing new car models, and entering into long-term contracts with businesses and government agencies.
By the mid-1990s, the Sudarshan Cars name was synonymous with professional, quality-driven service. The company launched dedicated airport transfer services, outstation rentals, and chauffeur-driven options tailored to business travelers. The brand began to be seen not just as a car rental company, but as a trusted travel partner.
Technological Advancements: 2000s
As the world entered the 21st century, digital technology began reshaping the way services were delivered. Sudarshan Cars embraced this transformation head-on. They were among the early adopters of online booking systems, allowing customers to reserve vehicles with a few clicks. GPS tracking was integrated into the fleet, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
This era also saw the influx of multinational car rental companies into the Indian market. Competition intensified, but Sudarshan Cars maintained its competitive edge through localized customer service, a keen understanding of Indian road conditions, and the ability to offer personalized experiences.
Automated customer support, better vehicle tracking, and app-based notifications allowed the company to improve responsiveness and reduce wait times. As customer expectations evolved, so did Sudarshan Cars, without compromising on its core values of trust and hospitality.
The Age of Innovation: 2010s
The 2010s brought with them the ride-sharing revolution. With the emergence of app-based mobility platforms, urban transport patterns began to shift rapidly. While many traditional operators struggled to adapt, Sudarshan Cars took a different path—focusing on premium, chauffeur-driven services for niche markets.
They launched luxury car rentals, offering high-end models like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi for weddings, VIP transfers, and corporate events. The company also introduced customized packages for NRIs, celebrities, and international tourists, differentiating itself through curated travel experiences.
Innovation extended to fleet management and sustainability. Fuel-efficient and hybrid models were gradually introduced. Strategic partnerships were formed with hotels, event companies, and travel agencies to provide bundled travel solutions.
Modern Excellence: 2020-2024
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped global mobility, and Sudarshan Cars adapted swiftly to the new normal. Enhanced hygiene protocols, contactless bookings, and real-time vehicle sanitization updates became standard offerings. As demand for private transport surged, Sudarshan Cars expanded its presence to over 120 cities, catering to customers seeking safe, dependable alternatives to public transport.
With a growing focus on sustainability, the company added electric and hybrid vehicles to its fleet. Clients could now opt for green mobility without compromising on comfort or style. AI-powered customer support, advanced mobile apps, and real-time driver tracking made the rental experience seamless and modern.
Today, Sudarshan Cars serves a wide spectrum of clients—from solo travelers and families to corporates and celebrities. With offerings spanning economy to ultra-luxury segments, the company has firmly positioned itself as a leader in the Indian car rental industry.
Looking Ahead
The road ahead is filled with possibilities. With India poised for exponential growth in domestic tourism and business travel, the demand for quality car rental services is set to rise. Sudarshan Cars is committed to staying ahead of the curve, investing in electric mobility, AI-driven operations, and smart fleet management systems.
The journey that began with a single Ambassador in the 1970s has transformed into a nationwide legacy built on passion, perseverance, and people. As it gears up for the next 50 years, Sudarshan Cars remains rooted in its core philosophy: “Service with Integrity.”
Whether you’re booking a sedan for a business meeting, a luxury car for a wedding, or an SUV for a family vacation, one name continues to stand out in India’s vast mobility landscape—Sudarshan Cars.
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