Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The municipal corporation had decided to purchase two double-decker buses so that tourists visiting the city could explore all the tourist spots while sitting in the buses. The work of manufacturing the buses was awarded to a company in Solapur. However, the central government recently made changes to the rules for double-decker buses, and as a result, no company in the country is eligible to build these buses. Due to this, the civic body will now have to decide to purchase e-buses.
Every year, more than 30 lakh (3 millions) tourists from across the country and abroad visit the city. Until now, no special buses have been started for tourists. Administrator G Sreekanth had decided to purchase open double-decker buses, similar to those in Frankfurt, Germany. The tender process for this was completed before the state elections. The work of building the double-decker buses was assigned to Chavan Auto Wheels, an agency in Solapur.
The company was instructed to build the buses in the same design as those in Frankfurt. The company prepared the design and applied for permission from the RTO to begin the manufacturing and assembling of the bus. However, the central government changed the rules for bus manufacturing in 2023, which made it impossible for any company in India to meet the new requirements. As a result, the tender has been cancelled, and the municipal corporation has decided to initiate a new tender process.
Now, tender for e-buses
There are international companies that specialise in manufacturing double-decker buses. These companies also manufacture e-buses. Therefore, the municipal corporation will now have to give an opportunity to such companies, according to sources.