The transport wing of the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), known as Nashik Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal (NMPML), has announced its intention to launch a new tender for the purchase and operation of 50 electric buses.
Previously, the NMC had issued bids and granted two extensions due to the limited response, with only two private companies submitting bids. According to regulations, if there are fewer than three bids, it is necessary to provide two extensions.
An NMPML official stated, "During the assessment of the technical bids, one of the two companies was disqualified, and the financial bid has yet to be revealed. Therefore, we are planning to initiate a fresh bid to attract more companies. This will promote competitiveness and provide the transport organization with better pricing options."
The NMPML is eager to introduce the electric buses in July of this year, coinciding with its second anniversary, the official added.
For the procurement of buses, the civic body will allocate Rs 250 million to the relevant agency. Consequently, the agency will offer reduced charges for operating the bus service.
The operational cost for the current bus fleet is Rs 80 per km, whereas the operational cost for the electric buses will be Rs 60 per km. The price difference will assist the civic body in minimising its losses.
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