Tata Sons Foundation Donates 20 Tata Winger Ambulances, Rs 10 Crore To Government Of Maharashtra

The Tata Sons Foundation has announced that it has donated 100 ventilators, 20 Tata Winger based ambulances, and an additional Rs 10 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in order to help fight the Covid-19 virus in the State of Maharashtra.

The donations were made in the presence of the Shiv Sena Supremo and Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackery, and Board Members of Tata Sons, Mr N Chandra, and the Mayor of Mumbai, Kishori Pednekar.

The Rs 10 crore donation that the Tata Sons Foundation has made will be channeled to set up an Immunology and Virus Infection Research Center with the aim of fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and other life-threatening viruses that follow.

Reports say that the Research Center will be fitted with the latest equipment and technology, and will work closely with some of the best research facilities across the globe.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray praised Tata Group for their donations to the Government of Maharashtra, and said that the donations in cash and kind will strengthen health care facilities in Mumbai.

The ambulances are based on the Tata Winger BS6 models that were showcased at the Auto Expo earlier this year. The ambulances are available in two variants - 3200 WB and 3488 WB. Both are single stretcher ambulances, are spacious, and offer a comfortable drive for both medical personnel and patients.

Interiors have been redesigned to serve as a hospital on wheel. The ambulances comply with the AIS 125 Part 1 norms and will be used for patient transport, basic life support, and advanced life support.

The Tata Winger features a 2.2-litre BS6 compliant engine that produces 98bhp and 200Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a manual transmission.

The vehicle features McPherson struts with coil springs in the front and parabolic leaf springs with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers at the rear - both of which make for a smoother drive. The ambulances also feature a new white-yellow-red paint scheme, and a high roof.

Thoughts About The Ambulances, Ventilators, And Rs 10 Crore Donated By Tata Sons To The Government Of Maharashtra

The Tata Winger is a versatile vehicle and is used by brands like Harley-Davidson as a recovery vehicle. While we are impressed by the ambulances, and the ventilators, we're somewhat unsure about the virus research facility. There's a high chance that at least 30 percent of that donation finds its way into people's pockets.