Thaindian News

New Delhi, June 3 (IANS) The trial began Friday of automobile major Volvo’s first compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered low-floor city bus, which is being evaluated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC).

“This is a big moment for the city’s transport sector. This particular bus service is being run on a trail basis,” Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit told IANS.

According to Dixit, the trial will last for around five months, during which time the operational performance of the vehicle and passenger feedback would be generated and evaluated for taking a final call on the induction of the bus type in the DTC fleet.

“We will take a decision on inducting the bus into DTC or not after the trial is over,” said Dixit.

The Swedish automobile major was confident of its offering being eventually inducted into the national capital’s public transport system.

“The sheer features of our product like fully-automatic transmission, high-power engine, low noise and state-of-the-art integrated information technology (IT) components in the vehicle speaks for itself,” Akash Passey, managing director, Volvo Buses India Pvt Ltd, said.

The 16.2 tonne bus is powered by a 209 kw (280 HP) six cylinder, intercooled engine.

Other unique features of the bus include high-precision turning capabilities, an electronically controlled suspension and IT systems providing fuel consumption and distance range displays.

Currently, about 3,500 city and inter-city Volvo buses are operating in 12 Indian cities including Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.