The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) has issued a request for proposal to supply 50 electric buses in the state.

Interested bidders are expected to make an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹10 million (~$133,827). The last date for the submission of bids is September 1, 2020.

The tender called for the supply of 40 air-conditioned and 10 non-airconditioned nine-meter-long electric buses directly from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The buses must have a seating capacity of 25, including the driver, and must have provisions for wheelchair accessibility.

Technically qualified bidders must submit their bids along with a quote for the price of the buses and the rate for an annual maintenance contract (AMC) for five years. Applicants must be OEMs and are expected to submit details regarding their experience supplying electric, diesel, or compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles in the country. The buses must come with a two-year or 200,000 km warranty with a five-year warranty on the battery.

Applicants are also expected to have an average annual turnover of at least ₹500 million (~$6.7 million) and a positive net worth over the last three financial years. Bidders must also be registered bus manufacturers based in India and with at least 35% localization.

The northeastern state of Assam has undertaken several initiatives towards sustainability.

In December, Mercom reported that the state issued a request for proposal for the procurement, operation, and maintenance of 100 electric buses on a gross cost contract basis in three cities. The buses were to be procured under the second phase of Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles program’s second phase (FAME-II).

Previously, the Urban Development Department of Assam floated a tender to install standalone solar light-emitting diode (LED) street lighting systems with seven-meter galvanized octagonal poles in the city.

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