DTC ditches small bus plan, to order more low-floor ones

NEW DELHI: After toying with the idea of smaller buses for the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), the government has gone back to the idea of procuring low-floor buses. "An order will be placed for 1,380 semi-low-floor buses. It has been decided that only low-floor and semi-low-floor buses will be procured for DTC," said a senior government official.

Officials, till some weeks ago, were looking at standard floor or smaller buses. The reason was frequent breakdowns being reported in low-floor buses as well as the high maintenance cost of these vehicles. However, the official said that the government has decided to opt for low floor and semi low-floor buses as they "fit" the image of the capital as a world-class city better.

Another reason for going small had been the dismal response to the DTC's attempts to procure new buses. No bus manufacturer had come forward. However, with DTC doing away with the maintenance clause in its tender, manufacturers have shown interest, said officials. "DTC will take care of maintenance of buses instead of the manufacturer from now on," added the official.

The tender for 1,380 buses is expected to be floated shortly. "We hope to procure the buses within the next few months," said a DTC official. The corporation, however, is planning to go ahead with its purchase of 500 midi buses for rural and outer Delhi areas, added the official.