In a significant move toward improving accessibility in public transportation, India will require all city buses manufactured from October 2026 onwards to be low-floor models, according to a report by the Times of India.
The Times of India reports that public buses intended for intra-city operation nationwide must feature low-floor design with a ground clearance of 400 mm, making them considerably more accessible for passengers. This change addresses longstanding challenges faced by elderly citizens, women, children, and persons with disabilities who struggle with the high steps, narrow aisles, poor handholds, and cramped seating common in current city buses.
According to the publication, a draft notification issued this week stipulates that new bus models manufactured on or after April 1, 2026, and existing models produced after October 1, must comply with Automotive Industry Standard AIS-216 requirements. The standard mandates that all new buses measuring 9 meters and above must have a floor height of 400 mm.
The Times of India quotes an official stating that manufacturers are already producing such buses and that the infrastructure ecosystem is in place for implementing this standard. While low-floor buses currently exist in India, many cities continue operating high-floor or semi-low-floor buses due to lower initial costs.
The newspaper notes that compliance with AIS-216, which establishes standardized design and testing rules for bus bodies to meet legal safety and performance requirements, will enhance overall city bus safety across the country.