State buses might get stronger and safer

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is mulling over two options for the new state transport buses — Whether to construct buses using heavier metal that makes them stronger or use lighter and stronger metal that will ensure better mileage helping them move faster.

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is mulling over two options for the new state transport buses — Whether to construct buses using heavier metal that makes them stronger or use lighter and stronger metal that will ensure better mileage helping them move faster.

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“We have to think about making the buses move faster and also not overlook the safety aspect by making them sturdier than before. We have appointed IIT-Bombay for studying our proposal,” MSRTC Managing Director, Deepak Kapoor told Hindustan Times.

The authorities are thinking of using a combination of aluminum, mild steel and galvanised steel for constructing the buses.

The front portion and the areas that are prone to damages in an accident could be made from galvanised steel, which would be three times costlier than aluminium, and the centre part could be made of aluminum or mild steel, said an MSRTC official requesting anonymity.

“This can disturb the aerodynamics of a bus as it becomes light in the middle, making it prone to tumbling in case of severe accidents,” said the official.

“If we manufacture buses using aluminum, the time taken by our buses to reach destinations would be less so would be the fuel consumption. But in case of an accident, the buses wouldn’t stand a chance, putting passenger lives in danger,” added the official.