Startup Originals Team
Vijay Sankeshwar’s story is a testament to resilience, vision, and sheer determination. Rising from modest beginnings in Gadag, Karnataka, he transformed a single-truck operation into VRL Logistics, one of India’s largest transport and media conglomerates. His entrepreneurial journey not only revolutionized the logistics industry but also left a lasting mark on media and regional journalism.
Early Life: Humble Beginnings
Vijay Sankeshwar was born on August 2, 1950, in Gadag, Karnataka, to Basavanneppa Sankeshwar and Chandrawwa. The seeds of entrepreneurship were sown early, thanks to his father’s business—a printing press named B.G. Sankeshwar and Co. Young Vijay quickly learned the value of hard work and business integrity, guiding principles that would define his later success.
The Big Leap: Founding VRL Group
The journey of VRL began in 1976 when, driven by ambition and supported by a ₹2 lakh loan, Vijay Sankeshwar purchased his first truck. What started as a small transport service in North Karnataka soon expanded its reach to cities like Bangalore, Hubli, and Belgaum. Despite numerous obstacles—ranging from accidents to fierce competition-Vijay’s perseverance laid the foundation for exponential growth.
By the early 1990s, VRL had grown into an impressive fleet of 117 vehicles, with revenue crossing ₹4 crores. In 1993, spotting new opportunities, Sankeshwar ventured into courier delivery services across Karnataka, further diversifying his business.
Entering Passenger Transport:
In 1996, VRL Logistics ventured into passenger travel, launching bus services between Bengaluru and Hubballi. What began with just four buses soon turned into a vast service network, further strengthening VRL’s market presence and diversifying its revenue streams.
Media Ambitions: Newspapers and News Channels
Vijay Sankeshwar’s business acumen wasn’t limited to transportation. In 1999, he launched the Kannada newspaper ‘Vijaya Karnataka,’ which swiftly became Karnataka’s largest circulating daily. The newspaper played a pivotal role in establishing VRL as a media powerhouse.
In 2007, he sold Vijaya Karnataka to The Times Group, India’s largest media firm. After a five-year non-compete clause, Sankeshwar returned to media in 2012 with ‘Vijaya Vani’, which soon dominated Kannada print media. Not stopping there, he launched the Kannada news channel ‘Digvijay 24×7’ in 2017, catering to the region’s fast-growing appetite for news.
In 2023, the channel was acquired by Republic Media Network and was rebranded as ‘Republic Kannada’, marking a new chapter for the media outlet and expanding its reach even further.
VRL Today: A National Giant
Today, VRL Logistics stands as India’s largest fleet owner, boasting more than 6,177 commercial vehicles and employing over 20,000 people. The company is listed among the country’s top logistics and transport firms with a market capitalization of ₹5,247 crores. VRL’s network spans 23 states and 4 union territories, supported by more than 1,200 branches nationwide, with its headquarters in Hubballi, Karnataka.
Recognition and Awards:
Vijay Sankeshwar’s exceptional contributions to business, media, and society have earned him numerous awards. Most notably, in 2020, the Government of India honored him with the prestigious Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award, recognizing his transformative impact on trade, media, and transportation.
