Tata Motors bags Rs.2200-cr DTC order for 1625 low-floor buses, and their maintenance

NEW DELHI, January 29, 2009: Tata Motors has won yet another order from the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to supply 1625 ultra low-floor buses, and their maintenance for 12 years. The contract is valued at Rs.2200 crores, comprising about Rs.900 crores for the 1625 buses, and about Rs.1300 crores for the 12-year maintenance contract for these buses.

This is the second consecutive occasion that the DTC has entrusted Tata Motors with its prestigious order, aimed at revamping the city’s transportation system. The first such order by the DTC in 2007 for 650 such buses was won by Tata Motors, and the company fulfilled the order in batches, as per schedule, in 2008.

As has been seen in the Tata Motors buses already plying in Delhi, these ultra low-floor buses make entry and exit extremely convenient, with passengers almost walking into them, rather than climbing. A pneumatically deployed automatic access ramp makes it particularly convenient for those with special challenges, who can even come in with their wheel-chairs. Wide twin doors, at the centre and the front, permit three individuals to simultaneously enter and exit.

The interiors are spacious. The seats are ergonomically designed, and the corridors wide enough for easy movement. Special features include a communication system connecting the driver to passengers and electronic destination board.

The engine, at the rear, reduces noise, heat and vibration levels, while also increasing interior space. Full pneumatic suspension and automatic transmission further add to a comfortable ride. Tata Motors will be responsible for the maintenance of these buses for 12 years.

Success of Tata Motors ultra low-floor buses in Delhi is encouraging other cities to consider similar transportation solutions.

Source: www.tatamotors.com

Ashok Leyland to supply high-end Ultra Low Entry CNG buses to DTC

875 bus order worth Rs. 4.8 billion;
12 year maintenance contract for Rs 7.1 billion

Chennai, 22nd January, 2009 : Ashok Leyland, the flagship of the Hinduja Group, has bagged an order for 875 high-end Ultra Low Entry (ULE) buses from the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) as part of their fleet modernisation. Worth Rs. 4.8 billion, this is the Company’s single largest order from a State Transport Corporation in value terms. Supply of 350 a/c and 525 non-a/c buses will commence by mid 2009 and will be completed by September’09.

“The uniqueness of this order is that we have been contracted to offer a truly comprehensive urban transportation solution,” said Mr. R Seshasayee, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland. “Besides delivering these fully-built buses, we will train key personnel like drivers and mechanics and will maintain the buses to ensure uptime, by setting up exclusive maintenance depots,” he added.

Mr R K Verma, IAS, Secretary cum Transport Commissioner & CMD DTC said : “We are happy that Ashok Leyland who had spearheaded the induction of CNG in our bus fleet, is now partnering us in our modernization drive. I am confident in Ashok Leyland’s capabilities to offer us world class buses and provide the crucial long term support to ensure uptime”.

The maintenance contract, valid for 12 years, is valued at a further Rs 7.1 billion. Drivers will be trained at the Company’s state-of-the-art Driver Training Institute, situated at Burari, near New Delhi, which has been set up jointly with the Government of Delhi.

Stepless entry

The new ULE buses will have a floor height of 390 mm, for step-less entry. These 12-metre- long buses will have 35-seats with a 2x2 configuration. Passenger ride comfort is further addressed through a wide 1100 mm door and kneeling facility for easy entry and exit as also comfortable grab bars and air suspension. A retractable ramp is a disabled-friendly feature.

These buses will be powered by a 230 hp engine and fitted with automatic transmission, Speed Limiting Device and multiplex wiring.

The chassis and the body for the fully-built buses will be manufactured at Ashok Leyland’s Alwar Plant, which had spearheaded the induction of CNG technology in Delhi buses, with a supply of over 3,500 CNG bus chassis. The infrastructure has since been augmented for bus body assembly, with ultra-modern facilities like a cubic framing fixture, hydraulic automated paneling, conveyors for automation, body lifting mechanisms, paint booth and a shower testing facility.

To be manufactured to the very exacting and stringent specifications laid down by DTC, the body structures will go through rigorous processes such as 336 hours of Salt Spray Test for corrosion.

Soruce: www.ashokleyland.com