Chandigarh to procure 40 diesel AC buses for long routes

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 20

The UT Transport Department, on one hand, claims to replace all diesel buses running on local routes with electric buses in the next few years, while on the other, it is hiring diesel buses for long routes.

Bids invited

An official of the department said bids had been invited for the purchase of 20 buses, while another 20 buses would be hired on the basis of km scheme for a period of 10 years. He said the eligible agencies could submit the bids by December 10 and the tenders would be opened the same day.

The department has initiated the process for procurement of 40 diesel AC buses for inter-city operations.

An official of the department said bids had been invited for the purchase of 20 buses, while another 20 buses would be hired on the basis of km scheme for a period of 10 years.

He said the eligible agencies could submit the bids by December 10 and the tenders would be opened the same day.

Meanwhile, five more electric buses have reached the city. These buses would be put into operation after a trial run of a few days, said an official of the Transport Department.

On November 13, UT Administrator Banwarilal Purohit had flagged off 11 electric buses on commercial operations.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has sanctioned 80 electric buses for Chandigarh under the FAME India Scheme Phase-II. For first lot of 40 buses, agreement has been signed with M/s Ashok Leyland amounting to Rs154.01 crore for 10 years. The entire fleet of 40 electric buses would be put on commercial operation by end of December this year.

For second lot of 40 electric buses, e-tender has been invited and will be put on commercial operations in the coming financial year.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.