Bhubaneswar: The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has issued a tender for the deployment of double-decker electric buses aimed at promoting tourism across three districts of Odisha.
As per the CRUT notification, the authority is seeking a bus operator for the supply, operation, and maintenance of these double-decker electric buses under a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, with a contract duration of 10+2 years.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) invites bids for the manufacture and delivery of five air-conditioned double-decker electric buses, along with chargers and comprehensive maintenance for a period of 10+2 years.
The buses are intended to be deployed for tourism services within the state, as outlined in the tender document. The routes will cover three districts of Odisha: Khordha, Cuttack and Puri.
The initial agreement for operating the buses will be for 10 years, starting from the Commercial Operations Date (COD). The CRUT reserves the right to extend the contract for an additional two years, based on the buses’ performance and condition.
The operator will be responsible for providing licensed drivers, well-trained staff, and personnel to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted operation of the bus service, in compliance with all applicable laws and the terms specified in the contract.
Speaking to the media, the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, said, “To combat pollution, we are introducing electric buses. If the service proves successful, we will expand the fleet with more double-decker electric buses.”
He further emphasised that these double-decker buses will not only accommodate more passengers but also help ease traffic congestion across the state.
