NEW DELHI: In order to become an environmentally responsible public transport service, Delhi is all set to launch the country’s first BS-VI buses for public transport by the end of this month. A total of 116 BS-VI compliant, air conditioned, low floor, CNG run buses are going to be inducted in the Cluster Scheme fleet over the next few months. The first batch of buses will be rolled out by the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS), which operates the Cluster Scheme, in September.
Bharat Stage or BS are emission standards that regulate the emission of pollutants by motor vehicles. Currently, most buses operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation and DIMTS are BS-IV compliant. However, starting April 1, 2020, only vehicles which are BS-VI compliant are being registered across the country. According to an official from DIMTS, nine of the total 116 buses are under inspection currently and will be the first BS-VI compliant public transport buses in the country. These buses are being supplied by JBM Auto Ltd. Earlier this year, JBM Auto Ltd had supplied 100 BS-IV compliant buses under the cluster scheme. A JBM Auto spokesperson said that these buses are equipped with Smart Card Ticketing system, Real Time Passenger Information System, Intelligent Transport Management System, CCTVs, wheelchair ramp and other facilities.