All Citybuses in India to Be Low-Floor from October 2026

India is set to take a major step toward improving accessibility and safety in public transportation. From October 2026, all citybuses manufactured for intra-city operations will be required to be low-floor models. The move is aimed at making urban public transport more accessible and commuter-friendly across the country.

Low-floor Citybuses to Become Mandatory

Public buses intended for use within cities must feature a low-floor design with a floor height of 400 mm. This requirement will apply to buses measuring 9 metres and above, making boarding and alighting easier compared to the high-floor and semi-low-floor buses currently operating in many cities.

The regulation falls under Automotive Industry Standard AIS-216, which lays down uniform design, construction, and testing norms for bus bodies to ensure compliance with safety and performance requirements.

Timeline for Implementation

According to the draft notification cited by The Times of India:

• Existing bus models manufactured after October 1, 2026
• New bus models manufactured on or after April 1, 2026

Focus on Accessibility and Inclusion

The shift to low-floor citybuses is expected to address long-standing accessibility challenges faced by:

• Senior citizens
• Women
• Children
• Persons with disabilities

High steps, narrow aisles, inadequate handholds, and cramped seating in conventional buses have often made public transport difficult for these groups. Low-floor buses, combined with better interior layouts, are designed to reduce these barriers.

Beyond accessibility, compliance with AIS-216 is expected to improve overall safety standards for citybuses in India. The standard introduces uniform guidelines for bus body construction, structural integrity, and performance, helping reduce risks for both passengers and operators.