Live Document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19VvGqQ2asjpz2mNhuZHYicF4qhrSmT8lvxcM3rOi7Mw/edit?usp=sharing
PDF attached. On Wed, 11 Jun, 2025, 20:40 Vaishnavi Jayakumar (Inclusive India), < [email protected]> wrote: > Discovered AIS-216 by trawling through ARAI site - not findable by Google > search : > > https://hmr.araiindia.com/api/AISFiles/Finalized%20Draft%20AIS_216_DF_2960cbb9-5352-4f26-9070-480edc53ff40.pdf > > The minutes shared by MHI indicate that it is supposed to be an extract > of Type I city bus specifications as per AIS-052 and AIS-153. > But there are also some regressive additions made by the panel on > permissible floor heights and ramp gradients. > MORTH, MOHUA were also part of this without breathing a word - this is > sadly an adversarial / combative attitude instead of a collaborative one. > Disappointed. > > On Wed, 11 Jun 2025 at 10:21, Vaishnavi Jayakumar (Inclusive India) < > [email protected]> wrote: > >> *Update on the mysterious AIS-216* >> >> [11/06, 09:35] Manish Kumar MHI: AIS 216 is about Accessibility in the >> city buses. It states that all the Type 1 buses shall have wheel chair >> lifting arrangements or ramp for boarding of wheel chair passenger inside >> the bus. >> However, it is in draft stage, still to be notified. >> >> [11/06, 09:59] Vaishnavi Jayakumar: Can the draft be shared please? Even >> that is not available on the ARAI website, and drafts usually are. >> >> Also it makes no sense - AIS-052 and AIS-153 collectively cover the >> requirements as per UNECE R107. If any changes are required, it should >> happen there. >> >> (There are a few amendments required where bus accessibility >> specifications have been watered down from the original or omitted, and >> need to be strengthened with any possible ambiguities removed.) >> >> [11/06, 10:04] Manish Kumar MHI: Ok let me check >> >> >> >> On Tue, 10 Jun, 2025, 20:41 Vaishnavi Jayakumar (Inclusive India), < >> [email protected]> wrote: >> >>> The draft MHI feedback document commenting link : >>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wCNj456jdHYaR-TzRzWv7czeSqwD9cBR/view?usp=sharing >>> >>> The draft standard for reference link : >>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bcXJZ4gEuuYUeipdrkSI-nQE_z1aK4_A/view?usp=sharing >>> >>> Pasted contents below : >>> >>> ANNEXURE-I >>> >>> 1. Specific Accessibility Components >>> A - Hydraulic Lift System >>> >>> 1. >>> >>> The lifting mechanism should be certified by any Government of >>> India-approved testing agency (e.g., ARAI, ICAT, NATRAX, GARC). >>> 2. >>> >>> For micro and mini-buses, stakeholder consultation (including OEMs, >>> regulatory authorities, concerned ministries, and lift manufacturers) is >>> recommended before implementing wheelchair lift systems. >>> >>> B - Anti-Skid Interior Steps >>> >>> 1. >>> >>> All steps should have edge demarcation and a fully colored tread for >>> enhanced visibility and safety. >>> >>> C - Space for Guide Dogs >>> >>> 1. >>> >>> CESL tenders mandate adherence to AIS 153 by OEMs. >>> 2. >>> >>> Provision for guide dog space affects gangway width and overall >>> seating capacity, and should be considered carefully. >>> >>> D - Gangway Width >>> >>> 1. >>> >>> 12-meter buses: Minimum 700 mm as per UBS II. >>> 2. >>> >>> Midi and mini-buses: Minimum 600 mm as per UBS II. >>> >>> E - Low-Floor Requirement Exemption for Mini-Buses >>> >>> 1. >>> >>> Mini-buses may be exempted from low-floor requirements as per AIS >>> 153. >>> >>> >>> 2. Suggested Mandatory Technical Features >>> >>> 1. >>> >>> Bus entrance doors designed per AIS 052. >>> 2. >>> >>> Handrails at door entrances. >>> 3. >>> >>> Ergonomic handrails and grab bars near wheelchair areas. >>> 4. >>> >>> Power-operated ramp for low-floor buses. >>> 5. >>> >>> Hydraulic lift system for standard floor buses (12m and 9m). >>> 6. >>> >>> Adequate space for wheelchairs with proper markings. >>> 7. >>> >>> Priority seating. >>> 8. >>> >>> Information displayed in Braille/raised numbers. >>> 9. >>> >>> Clearly marked wheelchair space both inside and outside the bus >>> using standard symbols. >>> 10. >>> >>> Lifting platforms must include safety restraints (e.g., belts, >>> handrails) and anti-slippage safety measures. >>> 11. >>> >>> Push/panic buttons and stop request buttons on stanchions. >>> 12. >>> >>> Passenger Information System (PIS). >>> >>> >>> 3. Additional Considerations from the MinistryA - Adoption of AIS 216 >>> Standard >>> >>> 1. >>> >>> AIS 216 should be referenced for Type I intra-city buses to address >>> requirements for passengers with reduced mobility, aligning with ECE >>> Regulation R107. >>> 2. >>> >>> This standard was approved during the 73rd AISC meeting on 7 May >>> 2025. >>> >>> B - Type II/III Buses >>> >>> 1. >>> >>> If equipped with wheelchair access, must follow the requirements in >>> both AIS 052 and AIS 153, as listed by DEPwD. >>> >>> >>> 4. Proposed Reclassification of Certain ModesA - Mode A01 – Wheelchair >>> Accessibility in Taxis >>> >>> 1. >>> >>> The Ministry proposes expanding GST rationalization from cars to all >>> vehicle types. >>> 2. >>> >>> Since the Indian taxi market (intercity/intracity/all-India permit) >>> largely uses CNG, the requirement for wheelchair accessibility is >>> proposed >>> to be reclassified from Non-Negotiable to Aspirational. >>> >>> B - Mode A05 – App Aggregators >>> >>> 1. >>> >>> For wheelchair-accessible vehicle proportions under app aggregators, >>> the Ministry recommends changing the classification from >>> Non-Negotiable to Aspirational. >>> >>> C - Mode A07 – Wheelchair Accessibility in E-Autorickshaws >>> >>> 1. >>> >>> The Ministry proposes reclassifying the special-purpose >>> e-autorickshaw category from Non-Negotiable to Aspirational. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Thu, 5 Jun 2025 at 07:26, Vaishnavi Jayakumar (Inclusive India) < >>> [email protected]> wrote: >>> >>>> 🗓️ Manish Kumar, Deputy Secretary Ministry of Heavy Industry got in >>>> touch today. In a conference call with Arman and myself he said that they'd >>>> had stakeholder consultations and had some issues they wanted to discuss - >>>> Taxis, buses, etc. >>>> >>>> 11th afternoon we will be meeting online, more details will follow >>>> eventually via email. >>>> >>> -- * Other working groups' details available at : https://accessoversightcommittee.wordpress.com/2024/12/26/6-working-groups-on-accessibility-sac-rajive-raturi/ * Other group landing pages are at : https://sites.google.com/view/accessrightscoalition#h.s1fbi7l4t9uc * Transport group landing page displays group messages etc at https://sites.google.com/view/accessrightscoalition/6-groups/b-transport * SAC-RR Transport GoogleGroups address = https://groups.google.com/u/5/g/sac-transport-ecosystem-group --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "SAC Group B Transport Ecosystem" group. 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