Date:10/01/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/01/10/stories/2004011014130300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

10 `Parisara Vahini' buses flagged off

BANGALORE, JAN. 9. The Transport Minister, B. Ramanath Rai, on Friday flagged off 10 specially designed "Parisara Vahini" buses to reduce pollution levels and make city travel more easier. These eco-friendly buses, which were designed at the workshop of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation Ltd. (BMTC), are fitted with Euro-II engines that run on diesel with a sulphur content of 0.25 per cent (regular diesel has a sulphur content of 0.5 per cent). Each of the buses cost Rs. 10.5 lakh, Rs. 2 lakh more than the ordinary buses used by the BMTC.

The buses have a tubular body with sturdy vinyl flooring and velvet cushions, and the seat frames are designed to provide sufficient legroom. An aerodynamic shape reduces air resistance, according to BMTC officials. For the convenience of passengers, the BMTC plans to install electronic boards in buses to display the names of places where the bus stops. The BMTC plans to introduce 1,000 more such buses by September this year, according to officials.