DTC to sign deal for new buses

Failing to elicit a response from the last two bids, the Delhi Transport Corporation may soon sign a deal with an Indian automotive manufacturing company to procure a total of 1,380 semi- lowfloor buses to replace its fleet of standard- floor ones ( yellow buses).

“We invited global players for procurement of 1,380 semi- low- floor buses. Tata Motors has shown interest. We have now sent the bid document to Pune’s Central Institute of Road Transport ( CIRT), which is the corporation’s consultant, to seek technical sugges- tions on the matter,” DTC spokesperson R. S. Minhas said.

DTC had earlier issued tenders on two occasions for procurement of 1,725 buses — 1,380 semi- low- floor non- AC buses and 345 low- floor AC buses. But the corporation had failed to zero in on a firm, official sources said, as the bidders quoted higher maintenance charges. Minhas said, “Within next 10 days, DTC will reach an conclusion. These buses are being procured to replace the standardfloor buses, which largely cater to the rural and outer Delhi areas.” DTC officials are confident of procuring buses this time.