The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has invited bids to retrofit air-conditioning units in up to 100 of its buses as part of a phased plan to modernise its fleet.

According to the tender document, the state-run transport corporation will initially retrofit air-conditioning systems in 10 of its existing 12-metre buses. Based on an assessment of their performance, the project will be extended to as many as 100 buses.

The selected agency will be responsible for designing a suitable air-conditioning system, taking into account the buses' operating load, service conditions and suitability for India's tropical climate. The scope of work also includes supplying high-quality components of a uniform brand and carrying out the necessary modifications to the existing buses.

The tender also specifies that the cooling temperature should be adjustable, with a minimum cooling setting of 17°C. Air-conditioning vents must be adjustable for each row of passenger seats as well as the driver's seat to enable individual airflow control.

The body modifications will include changes to the driver's cabin partition, luggage carrier and other structural components to ensure proper air sealing and the efficient operation of the air-conditioning system.

The successful bidder will also be required to provide a minimum two-year replacement warranty covering manufacturing and retrofit-related defects. In addition, the contractor will have to provide a four-year annual maintenance contract (AMC) for the retrofitted air-conditioning units after the warranty period expires.