July 30, 2014
Kolkata gets world`s first fleet of `JanBus`es
Delhi may boast of a fleet of low-floorbuses, but when it comes to flat floor, single-step entry buses, the city ofjoy has scored over the Capital. Ashok Leyland, manufacturer of buses underJNNURM scheme, has chosen Kolkata over Delhi and other international cities tolaunch its much-awaited 'JanBus' fleet. Though there are bookings from severalcountries, Ashok Leyland launched the smart bus at the state assembly on Wednesday.
“Only an efficient bus-system can decongestthe city. We want to offer passengers a wide array of buses, both AC and non-ACvariants. These smart buses will be an incentive for car-owners to shun carsand use buses for comfortable journey,” said principal secretary (transport)Alapan Bandyopadhyay.
Manufactured in Alwar, these buses havemany exciting features like multiplexing, passenger information system andvehicle tracking and infotainment system. But most importantly, its single-stepentry and low floor will prove to be a blessing for city commuters, particularlythe aged and differently-abled people. As many as 24 unique features werepatented for 'JanBus', including multiple options for door placement andseating arrangements.
“The new fleet will revolutionize urbantransport of Kolkata. We are delighted to present a world-class bus, with fourpatents covering over 15 unique features, to the city. 'JanBus' is testimony ofour engineering excellence and I am confident that we will be able to supplyall 449 buses ordered by the Bengal government soon,” said Ashok LeylandManaging Director Vinod K Dasari. Thirty buses will be rolled out in the firstphase.
The capacity of these buses is muchgreater. They have more space than Volvos buses we brought earlier. Lower priceand fuel efficiency will help us to better operating profit. This will take ofa lot pressure off the system.
The state government has pegged the costfor these buses at Rs 500 crore. Besides, it will be purchasing 150 more buseswith its own funds. Of this fleet, 65% will be run by the CSTC, 15% each bySBSTC, NBSTC and the WBSTC.
