Indian Express 30.12.2009
In 4 days, 350 low-floors checked
Following a Delhi government directive for a complete check of low-floor buses supplied by Tata Motors, nearly 350 low- floor buses were checked at 10 depots over the last four days.
Anticipating less rush over the last four days due to public holidays, the Delhi Transport Corporation had taken the buses off the roads and sent them to the depots allotted to Tata Motors for a thorough check.
According to Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely, while 350 buses have already been serviced, the transport corporation will continue to service more buses till January 31.
The buses will be taken off the roads only on public holidays and weekends, causing least inconvenience to the commuters.
“The checks have so far revealed minor servicing glitches like lubrication and worn out components needing replacement. We have already slapped a fine of Rs 4 crore on the firm,” Lovely said.
According to him, the government has already asked the Environment Pollution Control Authority to consult Automative Research Association of India on the vehicles’ structural feasibility and is expecting a report soon.
“We are streamlining the entire system and are ensuring that the transport corporation and Tata share equal responsibility for the maintenance of the buses,” he said.
The transport corporation is also keeping a strict vigil against tampering with speed governors and pneumatic doors which are not supposed to be open when the vehicle is in motion.
In a meeting held on December 14, to take stock of the various breakdowns being reported, Tata Motors had complained about speeding and tampering with speed governors which was cited as one of the reasons for the various breakdowns.
