This amendment to the PM-eBus Sewa tender is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to inclusive transportation. By incorporating low-floor buses, the scheme takes a significant step towards ensuring that public transport is accessible to all, including those with disabilities.
The Indian government has made a significant amendment to the tender under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme. It is a progressive move towards enhancing accessibility in public transportation. This amendment integrates 100 low-floor buses into the procurement plan, marks an important step in accommodating the needs of persons with disabilities.
It is launched in 2023. PM-eBus Sewa scheme is a visionary initiative aimed at transitioning public transport to electric mobility. The scheme’s primary goal is to procure 3,600 electric buses and promoting eco-friendly and sustainable transportation across India.
In a recent development Union government has revised the tender to include 100 low-floor buses. These vehicles distinguished by their reduced floor height and offer easier access, especially for individuals with mobility challenges, compared to standard-floor buses.
During the pre-bid meeting requirement for wheelchair-accessible buses with a floor height of 400 mm was discussed. However according to the amended tender document, decided on a different approach, which led to the inclusion of the low-floor buses.
On November 24, stakeholders wrote to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), raising concerns that the original tender might have violated the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
Tender is managed by Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL) on behalf of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). It covers several states and union territories. These include Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar, Meghalaya, Odisha, and Puducherry. Notably, Chandigarh is set to receive 100 of these low-floor AC buses.
