NBSTC Floats ₹40.17 Crore Tender for 93 New CNG Buses, Expands Fleet Across North Bengal
Cooch Behar/Siliguri, March 1 2026: In a major move aimed at modernising public transport services in North Bengal, the North Bengal State Transport Corporation has issued a ₹40.17 crore tender to procure 93 new CNG buses. The expansion is expected to strengthen connectivity across districts while phasing out older and unserviceable vehicles from the fleet.
The decision reflects the corporation’s broader effort to improve operational efficiency, commuter comfort, and environmental sustainability in the region.
Fleet Expansion Plan and Bus Categories
According to NBSTC Chairman Partha Pratim Roy, the new fleet will consist of multiple categories designed to serve both urban and long-distance routes. The procurement plan includes:
- 14 air-conditioned CNG buses
- 56 standard CNG buses
- 18 mini CNG buses
- 5 Rocket CNG buses
The mix of vehicle types indicates an effort to address varied commuter needs — from intra-city travel to inter-district routes. Mini buses are likely to serve narrower roads and less crowded routes, while AC and Rocket buses are expected to enhance comfort on high-demand corridors.
Officials confirmed that older vehicles nearing the end of their service life are being gradually phased out to improve safety and reduce maintenance costs.
Shift Toward CNG Amid Electric Bus Constraints
Chairman Roy stated that when the current board took responsibility on August 18, 2021, one of its key mandates was to stabilise and strengthen the corporation. Since then, several initiatives have been undertaken to increase revenue and improve services.
While NBSTC had earlier explored the possibility of introducing electric buses as part of a greener transition, procurement challenges and limited availability have delayed that plan. In the interim, the corporation has opted to expand its CNG fleet with support from the state government.
Transport experts note that CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) buses offer lower emissions compared to conventional diesel vehicles, making them a relatively cleaner alternative for public transport systems. However, long-term environmental goals may still require a gradual transition toward fully electric mobility as infrastructure improves.
Earlier, 30 CNG buses had already been added to the fleet. The new tender significantly scales up that initiative.
Focus on Revenue and Service Quality
Over the past few years, NBSTC has faced financial and operational challenges common to many state-run transport corporations in India. Rising fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and competition from private operators have impacted revenue streams.
Chairman Roy said that efforts have been made to enhance income through improved route planning, better vehicle utilisation, and service upgrades. The addition of new buses is expected to reduce breakdown incidents and improve on-time performance.
A sleeper Volvo bus has also recently been inducted into the fleet to cater to long-distance passengers. This move signals a focus on premium services, particularly for routes connecting North Bengal with major cities.
Transport analysts suggest that modern vehicles not only enhance passenger comfort but also improve brand perception, potentially increasing ridership.
Smart Card System Introduced in Cooch Behar
In a parallel step toward digital modernisation, NBSTC launched a smart card system during a special programme in Cooch Behar. The initiative aims to make ticketing more convenient and reduce cash transactions.
Five passengers were ceremonially presented with smart cards at the launch event. The cards can be recharged and used across NBSTC services, allowing for seamless travel without the need to purchase paper tickets for every journey.
Officials say the system is expected to reduce boarding time, enhance transparency in fare collection, and provide data insights for route optimisation.
Digital payment solutions are increasingly becoming a standard feature in public transport systems across India. By adopting smart cards, NBSTC joins other state transport undertakings in modernising fare collection processes.
Regional Impact and Connectivity
North Bengal includes diverse terrain — from the plains of Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri to the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Reliable bus services remain crucial for daily commuters, students, traders, and tourists.
Improved fleet strength is expected to benefit both rural and urban passengers. Mini buses may enhance connectivity in semi-urban and interior areas, while larger AC buses can improve inter-district travel experiences.
Residents have long called for increased frequency on key routes, especially during peak hours and festive seasons. The addition of 93 buses could help address these concerns if deployed strategically.
Environmental and Operational Considerations
While CNG buses emit fewer pollutants than diesel vehicles, infrastructure such as refuelling stations must support expanded operations. Officials indicated that necessary logistical planning is underway to ensure smooth integration of the new fleet.
Transport planners also emphasise the need for regular maintenance and trained personnel to operate and service the new vehicles effectively.
In the long term, NBSTC may revisit electric bus procurement as supply chains stabilise and charging infrastructure becomes more widely available in the region.
Looking Ahead
The ₹40.17 crore tender marks one of the largest recent investments in NBSTC’s fleet modernisation. By combining vehicle upgrades with digital ticketing reforms, the corporation appears to be pursuing a comprehensive approach to service improvement.
If implemented efficiently, the new buses and smart card system could significantly enhance commuter convenience across North Bengal. As the tender process moves forward, attention will turn to timely delivery and effective deployment to ensure that the benefits reach passengers on the ground.
