The Ministry of Defence has issued a request for information (RFI) for procurement of 2,000 buses (Type III ACX medium capacity standard bus) for the Indian Army.
These will be used for conveyance of troops on metalled roads in plains and mountainous terrain. They will need to have a seating capacity 40 to 45 +1 in 2x2 configuration and conforming to AIS-052 standards.
The RFI calls for buses that employ contemporary technology with modern design and provide maximum riding comfort with ergonomic seating for the driver and 40 to 45 +1 passengers in 2x2 configuration.
The requirements state that the buses should have a BS IV turbocharged diesel engine and have an overall modular design for ease of engine replacement. They should feature a 4x2 manual transmission with ABS and EBD.
The buses must also have an Indian regional navigation satellite system/global positioning system-based navigation system with display in the
infotainment system in driver’s cabin.
A cold starting device should be provided for starting the engine in
climatic conditions ranging from -10 0C + /- 5 0C to 450C +/- 5 0C.
The buses should also be capable of being transported by transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force such as the IL-76 and C17. The overall height of the vehicles and the floor should be as low as possible to keep the centre of gravity low.
Once the technical evaluation is done by the Army and associated agencies, the vendors and their equipment will be put through a field evaluation trial on a ‘no cost, no commitment’ basis. This will include summer and winter trials; high altitude area trials; maintainability evaluation trials; and directorate general of quality assurance trials.
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