MG 'Columbus' unveiled at Bus World India 2016

MG Group unveiled the company's first special application coach for airline industry - a airport tarmac coach named - 'Columbus' at Bus World India - 2016, held in Bengaluru in November this year. The coach was unveiled at the hands of Shri R.V. Deshpande, Hon'ble Minister for Large and Medium Scale Industries, Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka along with Mr Mohan V. Kamat, Founder & chairman - MG Group and Mr Anil M. Kamat, Managing Director - MG Group.

MG COLOMBUS AT BUS WORLD INDIA 2016 BENGALURU

The premium application coach - Columbus is the first of its kind, fully monocoque ultra-low flat-floor tarmac coach developed currently for international markets. The coach has a passenger entry floor height at as low as 290 mm (after kneeling). With its smartly designed cabin space, the coach offers swift passenger entry and exit with five passenger doors (3 at left hand side and 2 at right hand side). With reliable drive line aggregates like ZF and Cummins, a fully composite and leak-proof roof panel and soothing interiors beautifully lit with LEDs, making it a product of Global Standards. The 12 metre-long coaches can accomodate 70 passengers (8 seated & 62 standees). Equipped with the latest technologies such as ECAS (Electronically Controlled Air Suspension), ABS (Anti Lock Brake System) and CAN bus systems, the coach is fully complied with Airport Handling Manual regulations. 

MG COLOMBUS AT BUS WORLD INDIA 2016 BENGALURU

MG COLOMBUS AT BUS WORLD INDIA 2016 BENGALURU

On the unveiling of the new tarmac coach - 'Colombus', Mr Anil kamat, Managing Director, MG Group said, "Over the past two decades, we at MG Group have played a significant role in the Indian Bus Building landscape, recognizing customer needs and introducing game - changing and innovative products and solutions for the Bus & Coach Industry." The MD further added, that the 'Columbus', currently diesel powered, is envisioned to be offered with CNG as well as Electric Drive lines in the short term. He highlighted over the fact that the air passenger traffic has been increasing at approximately 20% year-on-year and hence the demand of tarmac coaches is also increasing. 

MG COLOMBUS AT BUS WORLD INDIA 2016 BENGALURU

MG COLOMBUS AT BUS WORLD INDIA 2016 BENGALURU

MG COLOMBUS AT BUS WORLD INDIA 2016 BENGALURU

A good Tarmac Coach further enhances the image of the airline. The Indian market currently demands about 50 coaches per year, which is expected to grow as aged Tarmac Coach fleets are also due for replacement. Leading airlines have also placed record order sizes for aircrafts, which in turn, will increase the demand for Tarmac Coaches. Tier-2 City Airports under focus will also boost the demand of Tarmac Coaches. Keeping in mind the urgent need for spacious & high technology coaches by the airline industry, the 'Columbus' has been positioned as a revolutionizing product and a technology demonstrator. The coach will be initially introduced for the export markets, and with a goal to introduce in the domestic market soon in near future.