You might have seen those double-decker buses in Mumbai; they look super cool, right? Now, Delhi is also planning to reintroduce these buses on the roads after a long hiatus. These double-decker buses will be electric and will be launched during the Delhi Darshan service in the coming months for the tourism circuits. Here’s everything you need to know about the city’s only EV double-decker bus!
Double-Decker Buses In Delhi Will Return, But Only for Tourism Circuits
Delhi might see double-decker buses again on the roads soon. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has handed over its only double-decker electric bus (EV bus) to the tourism department. These buses, however, will not run on regular city routes. They are specially introduced for a dedicated tourism circuit and will be launched during the Delhi Darshan service in the coming months.
So yes, you might see the buses, but they are meant only for the tourism circuits. DTC officials shared with Hindustan Times that the option of introducing them on regular city routes cannot be considered now. The reason? Narrow lanes, weight, and height constraints might make these double-decker buses difficult to operate on regular routes.
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The Buses Will Have Seating For 63 Passengers
It should also be noted that the tourism route provides a great testing ground for these big double-decker buses. The buses will be 4.75 metres tall and 9.8 metres in length. They will have seating for 63 passengers (including the driver), which is nearly triple the capacity of Delhi’s nine-metre DEVi (Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector) buses.
An official from the tourism department shared with Hindustan Times that the authorities are currently mapping routes, measuring tree canopies, and checking overbridge clearances and wires. The tourist circuit will not require these buses to move on any internal roads, which is why the authorities think that it is more feasible to use double-decker buses for tourism.
You should also know that double-decker buses were once common on the roads of Delhi. They were run by the DTC under the name ‘Suvidha’. However, they were phased out in 1989 as the city transitioned to the CNG fleet. Authorities also made many attempts to reintroduce these buses ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games and also in 2022, before the G20 Summit. But both times, the attempts failed due to feasibility concerns on the routes.
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Reportedly, officials are still working on route logistics, battery range, and overhead clearances. Drivers are also being trained for these double-decker buses.
Are you excited to see double-decker buses on tourism routes in Delhi? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: @gemsofbabus_/ X (Representative Image)