Ashok Leyland, manufacturer of buses under JNNURM scheme, has chosen Kolkata over Delhi and other international cities to launch its much-awaited 'JanBus' fleet. Though there are bookings from several countries, Ashok Leyland launched the smart bus at the state assembly on Wednesday.
"Only an efficient bus-system can decongest the city. We want to offer passengers a wide array of buses, both AC and non-AC variants. These smart buses will be an incentive for car-owners to shun cars and use buses for comfortable journey," said principal secretary (transport) Alapan Bandyopadhyay.
Manufactured in Alwar, these buses have many exciting features like multiplexing, passenger information system and vehicle tracking and infotainment system. But most importantly, its single-step entry and low floor will prove to be a blessing for city commuters, particularly the aged and differently-abled people. As many as 24 unique features were patented for 'JanBus', including multiple options for door placement and seating arrangements.
"The new fleet will revolutionize urban transport of Kolkata. We are delighted to present a world-class bus, with four patents covering over 15 unique features, to the city. 'JanBus' is testimony of our engineering excellence and I am confident that we will be able to supply all 449 buses ordered by the Bengal government soon," said Ashok Leyland Managing Director Vinod K Dasari. Thirty buses will be rolled out in the first phase.
The capacity of these buses is much greater. They have more space than Volvos buses we brought earlier. Lower price and fuel efficiency will help us to better operating profit. This will take of a lot pressure off the system.
The state government has pegged the cost for these buses at Rs 500 crore. Besides, it will be purchasing 150 more buses with its own funds. Of this fleet, 65% will be run by the CSTC, 15% each by SBSTC, NBSTC and the WBSTC.
"Only an efficient bus-system can decongest the city. We want to offer passengers a wide array of buses, both AC and non-AC variants. These smart buses will be an incentive for car-owners to shun cars and use buses for comfortable journey," said principal secretary (transport) Alapan Bandyopadhyay.
Manufactured in Alwar, these buses have many exciting features like multiplexing, passenger information system and vehicle tracking and infotainment system. But most importantly, its single-step entry and low floor will prove to be a blessing for city commuters, particularly the aged and differently-abled people. As many as 24 unique features were patented for 'JanBus', including multiple options for door placement and seating arrangements.
"The new fleet will revolutionize urban transport of Kolkata. We are delighted to present a world-class bus, with four patents covering over 15 unique features, to the city. 'JanBus' is testimony of our engineering excellence and I am confident that we will be able to supply all 449 buses ordered by the Bengal government soon," said Ashok Leyland Managing Director Vinod K Dasari. Thirty buses will be rolled out in the first phase.
The capacity of these buses is much greater. They have more space than Volvos buses we brought earlier. Lower price and fuel efficiency will help us to better operating profit. This will take of a lot pressure off the system.
The state government has pegged the cost for these buses at Rs 500 crore. Besides, it will be purchasing 150 more buses with its own funds. Of this fleet, 65% will be run by the CSTC, 15% each by SBSTC, NBSTC and the WBSTC.
