All public buses manufactured for intra-city operations across India from October 2026 onwards will be required to be low-floor, making them more accessible and passenger-friendly. According to a draft notification issued this week, these buses will have a ground clearance of 440 mm and must comply with updated design and safety standards.
The draft specifies that all new bus models manufactured on or after April 1, 2026, and existing models produced after October 1, 2026, must conform to Automotive Industry Standard AIS-216, as amended from time to time. Additionally, all city buses with a length of nine metres and above will be required to have a floor height of 400 mm.
Officials said the notification has been issued after assessing industry readiness. “Manufacturers are already producing buses that meet these specifications. The ecosystem is in place for implementing this norm,” a government official noted.
The move aims to address long-standing accessibility challenges in urban public transport. High steps, narrow aisles, inadequate handholds, and cramped seating in many existing city buses make boarding and travel difficult, particularly for elderly passengers, women, children, and persons with disabilities. While low-floor buses are already available, many cities continue to operate high-floor or semi-low-floor buses due to lower upfront procurement costs.
Authorities believe mandatory compliance with AIS-216—which standardises bus body design, testing, safety, and performance requirements—will significantly improve safety, comfort, and inclusivity in urban bus transport systems across the country.
