Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) has floated a tender inviting bids for the purchase of four ready-built, air-conditioned electric double-decker buses under a Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC) model. These new buses are expected to enhance public transport services on scheduled AMTS routes in Ahmedabad and its outskirts with seven such buses are already operating in the city.

According to the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Transport Manager, AMTS, selected bidders must supply four fully built Type-I AC electric double-decker buses and maintain them for 10 years or up to 10 lakh kilometers, whichever comes first. The contract excludes the provision of drivers and conductors, which will remain under AMTS’s scope.

As per the RFP, the delivery of these buses must be completed within 45 days from the issuance of the Letter of Acceptance (LoA); failure to meet the deadline may attract penalties.

The deployment plan must ensure that the average bus kilometers scheduled per bus over a continuous period of 12 calendar months—commencing from the commercial operation date of the respective buses—will be no less than 65,700 km per annum (i.e., 180 km/day/bus) (the “Annual Assured Bus Kilometre”). It will be the sole responsibility of the bidder to meet this requirement, subject to the bus availability factor.

The bidder will handle all scheduled maintenance, including overhauls, parts replacement, electrical and safety upgrades, and battery pack replacements during the contract period.

AMTS will bear the cost of bus procurement and the electricity used for charging. The agency will also provide charging infrastructure, depot space, and washing and maintenance facilities, along with managing fare collection and staff deployment (drivers and conductors).

The bidder must also supply one DC charger compliant with IEC 62196-2:2011 or the latest applicable standards.

The CAMC scope includes daily washing, periodic greasing, fluid replacements, tyre and suspension upkeep, denting, painting, electrical repairs, and accident repairs, among other responsibilities. Buses must be maintained in optimal condition throughout the contract duration, with a full body overhaul and safety upgrade scheduled at the end of the 5th year or 6 lakh kilometers, whichever comes earlier.

Bidders are responsible for the performance of all major components, including the high-voltage EV aggregates, ITMS systems, and chargers.

Interested bidders must submit their bids online by June 2, 2025, before 6:00 PM.

It is noteworthy that AMTS currently operates around 950 buses, including 7 electric double-deckers, in Ahmedabad, with services run through private operators. DeshGujarat