NTPC Limited, a government-owned enterprise in India, has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to invite intercity electric bus operators to participate in the operation of NTPC Fuel Cell Electric Buses.
EOI Information
NTPC Limited, in its pursuit of contributing to India’s adoption of a hydrogen economy, is exploring the feasibility of introducing green alternatives to diesel buses. The company aims to operate Fuel Cell-Based Electric Buses (FCEBs) on intercity routes, starting with the Delhi-Agra route. NTPC will provide hydrogen fuel for these buses free of cost for a specific annual distance.
The purpose of this EOI is to identify potential operators for the FCEBs. Successful applicants will be invited to participate in a competitive bidding process to lease and operate these buses.
EOI Details and Timelines
Interested applicants can download the EOI documents for free from NTPC’s website. The application submission deadline is November 20, 2023. The EOI specifies certain eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to participate in the bidding process.
Eligibility Requirements
- The applicant should be a company incorporated in India for the business of operating buses.
- The applicant should have a minimum of one year of experience in operating luxury or premium intercity buses in India.
- The applicant should have infrastructure facilities for operating buses, which may include ticketing facilities, passenger lounges, charging infrastructure, or hydrogen filling stations.
Applicants not meeting these eligibility requirements will not be considered for the bidding process.
NTPC’s goal is to explore the feasibility of fuel cell-based technology as an alternative to diesel buses, reduce emissions, and promote a greener mode of transportation in India. Successful bidders will have the opportunity to lease and operate these FCEBs, furthering the adoption of eco-friendly public transportation.
The deadline for submission of responses is November 20, 2023, and applicants should ensure their submissions meet the specified eligibility requirements. NTPC’s efforts align with India’s broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner transportation options.
