Antony Raj

I worked at KPN Travels, Mayiladuthurai, as a Bus Mechanic and later Senior Diesel Mechanic, specializing exclusively in the maintenance, service, and overhauling of Ashok Leyland and Tata passenger buses. The entire fleet consisted of intercity and long-route passenger buses equipped with BS-II, BS-III, and BS-IV standard diesel engines. My role covered every aspect of bus mechanical service, from daily checks to major engine overhauls, ensuring safety, comfort, and reliability for long-distance passengers.
I was responsible for diesel engine overhauling, including dismantling cylinder heads, inspecting pistons, rings, connecting rods, crankshafts, and camshafts, replacing worn components, and reassembling engines according to manufacturer specifications. I handled fuel system maintenance, cleaned and calibrated injectors, tested fuel pumps, adjusted timing, and monitored performance under load. My precise assembly and testing ensured smooth engine operation and improved mileage performance for high-demand routes.
I also managed the air system and braking mechanisms used in heavy passenger buses — checking air tanks, compressors, valves, brake chambers, and ensuring correct pressure levels for safe braking. I regularly inspected air lines for leaks and maintained control valves for proper air delivery. My expertise in air systems and pneumatic controls helped minimize failures during trips and guaranteed driver confidence.
Preventive maintenance was another major part of my responsibility. I prepared and followed daily, weekly, and monthly checklists for each bus — oil changes, coolant replacement, clutch and brake lining inspection, gearbox and differential oil checks, and suspension maintenance. I conducted vibration analysis for driveline balance and handled complete axle overhauls when required. My attention to detail reduced breakdown incidents and helped buses maintain consistent performance on long intercity routes.
I also took care of AC systems, checking compressors, belts, pulleys, refrigerant gas levels, and electrical circuits connected to the passenger cooling system. I coordinated with electricians to fix wiring faults, alternator or starter motor issues, and ensured all onboard systems such as lights, horns, and indicators were operational before dispatch.
As I gained more experience, I was promoted to Senior Mechanic, where I supervised junior mechanics and helpers, trained them in systematic diagnostic procedures, and guided them in safety practices. I ensured that all tools and lifting equipment were properly used and maintained. I was also responsible for test-running vehicles after service, verifying smooth engine sound, proper gear shifting, braking efficiency, and overall roadworthiness.
Working in KPN Travels taught me the importance of timing, precision, and teamwork. Handling BS2 to BS4 Ashok Leyland and Tata buses under strict schedules improved my confidence in handling modern diesel engines and pneumatic systems. My dedication, discipline, and mechanical knowledge earned me the trust of senior supervisors and drivers alike.
This experience laid the foundation for my later overseas work, giving me deep hands-on expertise as a Senior Diesel Mechanic specialized in passenger bus systems — particularly in engine, air, and fuel systems maintenance.

While working in Oman I served as a senior mechanic and workshop supervisor responsible for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of a wide range of diesel engines, light vehicles and heavy equipment used in construction and transport. My role covered daily workshop management and field service for machines and vehicles including rollers, dozers, excavators, small drilling rigs (PRD/Fadley), generators and compressors. I was accountable for preventive maintenance schedules, breakdown diagnosis, parts replacement and quality control before returning units to service.
Technically, I performed complete diesel engine overhauls — dismantling cylinder heads, inspecting and machining valves, checking piston and crankshaft tolerances, replacing bearings and reassembling engines to OEM specifications. I worked extensively with Atlas Copco compressors (service and rebuild), XCMG and Komatsu components, Caterpillar systems and hydraulic drive units. I handled fuel injection systems, injector testing and calibration, turbocharger inspections, cooling-system repairs and fuel-line diagnostics. I developed and followed checklists for daily, weekly and monthly inspections, which reduced repeated breakdowns and improved fleet uptime.
In field operations I led teams to perform roadside repairs, load-out equipment checks and emergency restorations under tight time windows. I trained junior technicians on proper diagnostic procedures, safety protocols and correct torque/sealing standards. I implemented inventory control for spare parts, aligning procurement with common failure parts to cut down workshop downtime. I also coordinated with suppliers for genuine parts and used technical manuals to adhere to manufacturer tolerances and service bulletins. Safety was paramount — I enforced lockout-tagout procedures, PPE use and safe lifting methods for heavy components.
My Oman work sharpened my troubleshooting skills for both mechanical and associated electrical faults, gave me hands-on experience with compressor overhauls and drilling support machinery, and strengthened my ability to manage teams and maintain high service quality in remote or site-based conditions.