Daimler Bus India has received its first order of 20 air-conditioned buses in a successful bid for tender by the government of Assam. The 1017 (10T) AC BharatBenz buses will be used for airport services, city and intercity transportation. The buses are being delivered through BharatBenz’s authorised dealership Abutani Trucking in Guwahati.

The flag-off ceremony for the BharatBenz buses was done in the presence of the chief minister of Assam  Sarbananda Sonowal, and minister of transport, Commerce & Industry,  Chandra Mohan Patowary. Representing the Assam State Corporation were chairman Ashok Kumar Bhattarai and vice-chairman Haricharan Boro. The key-handover was done by  Karl-Alexander Seidel, CEO & head of Daimler Bus India.  

Karl-Alexander Seidel, CEO & Head of Daimler Bus India, said: “We are delighted that we won the bid of Assam State Transport Corporation. This is our first major foray into the STU segment and we will look out for more such suitable opportunities. The BharatBenz brand 1017 AC buses will provide a safe, comfortable ride for passengers using airport services, city and intercity transportation. We look forward to a mutually beneficial and long term relationship between ASTC and BharatBenz Bus.”

According to the company, “the BharatBenz 1017 delivers the most comfortable ride with its world class proven BS VI technology, parabolic suspension, powerful AC, and best in class fuel efficient engine with low maintenance.” The bus chassis is  being produced at Daimler India Commercial Vehicles’ manufacturing plant at Oragadam. Chennai. ASTC is the lifeline of road transport connectivity in North East India as it operates buses even in rural areas along with connecting surrounding states.