Pune: Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has set up a portal and support cell for certification of bus body frame and interior makers who build interior and exterior of these vehicles over chassis.The research institute has also dropped the cost of comprehensive testing approval to Rs 14 lakh, 50% lower than the cost of the manufacturer from the unorganised sector. Additionally, time for ‘type approval’ can be fast-tracked to anywhere between 60 to 90 days, ARAI said in a statement.Certification to manufacture bus bodies with a seating capacity of 13 passengers and above, excluding the driver, is mandatory under the bus body code. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has also mandated the bus body code through which a vehicle with a seating capacity over 22 passengers, excluding the driver, should have fire safety and emergency exits, structural safety and passenger comfort. These norms also aim to streamline bus construction practices for special types of buses, such as school and sleeper.“We wanted to assist the builders of bus bodies in their certification process at all stages, including development and testing before they apply for certification. This would ensure that safety remains our utmost priority and consequently a reliable transport system for the public was developed in our country,” Reji Mathai, ARAI director, told TOI.“We have introduced substantially optimised pricing structures to encourage widespread adoption of these services. We have aimed to make it easier, faster and cost-effective for all stakeholders to uphold the best standards of passenger safety,” he added.In April, the highways ministry had said that new buses, including inter-city and sleeper coaches, cannot be registered by regional transport offices (RTOs) without inspection of all mandatory safety features.Vehicle manufacturers, bus body builders and the respective RTOs will have to upload the filled checklist on the Vahan portal, ensuring all stakeholders are taking necessary steps to comply with safety features.
