Tata Motors has won yet another order from the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to supply 1625 ultra low-floor buses, and their maintenance for 12 years. The contract is valued at Rs2,200 crore, comprising about Rs900 crore for the cost of 1625 buses, and about Rs1300 crore for the 12-year maintenance contract for these buses.

This is the second consecutive order that DTC has placed with Tata Motors, aimed at revamping the city's transportation system, after its previous order in 2007 for 650 such buses, which Tata Motors delivered in batches, as scheduled, in 2008.

Ultra low-floor buses make entry and exit extremely convenient, with passengers almost walking into them, rather than climbing. They are used extensively in western Europe and America who have strict rules for handicap enabled transport systems.

A pneumatically deployed automatic access ramp makes it particularly convenient for those with special challenges, who can even come in with their wheel-chairs.

Wide twin doors, at the centre and the front, permit three individuals to simultaneously enter and exit.

Special features include a communication system connecting the driver to passengers and electronic destination board.

The engine, at the rear, reduces noise, heat and vibration levels, while also increasing interior space. The buses have full pneumatic suspension and automatic transmission. Success of Tata Motors ultra low-floor buses in Delhi is encouraging other cities to consider similar transportation solutions.

The buses offer a win-win situation for the transport corporations with less fuel consumption and lower pollution levels. The company has already initiated talks with most of the state transport undertakings in the country to ensure growth in this market segment, he said.

The buses are being used in cities like Chandigarh, Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur and Pune. The company has also developed BRTS buses, which are ultra low floor. These buses have been supplied to Delhi Transport Corporation and BEST in Mumbai.