Overview
- CESL moved the bid submission deadline from 6 November to 14 November to allow more time for preparations and encourage wider participation.
- Revised rules permit operators, infrastructure developers and municipal bodies to join the competition, provided they partner with an original equipment manufacturer.
- The tender follows a Gross Cost Contracting model that pays a per‑kilometre fee while leaving bus ownership with suppliers, a structure manufacturers view as capital heavy.
- Bidders face an earnest money requirement exceeding ₹312 crore to pursue all five city lots, though they can lower the deposit by bidding for select lots.
- CESL told states to provide upstream charging at depots, and some state agencies have asked for contract changes due to challenges securing the necessary grid and transformer upgrades.