Under the National E-Bus Program (Phase-I), Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) has floated bids to choose bus operators for the procurement, operations and maintenance (O&M) of 5,690 electric buses. The project also includes development of allied electric and civil infrastructure. This is the first tender under the National Electric Bus Program that aims to deploy 50,000 electric buses throughout the country.
This tender seeks to cover Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Telangana, and Arunachal Pradesh. According to the tender guidelines, within 28 days of receiving the letter of award, the successful bidder must provide 3 per cent of the contract price as a performance security. Also, for the contract performance security, the successful bidder shall submit 10 per cent of the contract price with an initial validity of 90 days.
This tender covers the benefits and facilities for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). Women-owned MSEs will receive 3 per cent of the 25 per cent purchase preference for MSEs, while SC/ST owned MSEs will receive 4 per cent. If an MSE’s price falls within the price range of L1 plus 15 per cent, that MSE will be allowed to supply 25 per cent of the total tendered quantity by lowering its price to the L1 price.
According to the tender guidelines, bidders must have manufactured and delivered at least 25 electric buses or 1,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses in India to date. Bidders must have at least one year of ownership and operation experience for a minimum of 25 electric buses or 1,000 CNG buses in India. The deadline for submitting bids online is November 4, 2022.
