The iconic double-decker buses, which once navigated the streets of Delhi, are set to make a comeback after 35 years. After years of discussions, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is reportedly planning to conduct a pilot run to bring them back with a modern upgrade.
According to HT, a senior official aware of the Delhi Government’s plan said that one such electric bus, built by Ashok Leyland, is already parked at the Okhla depot. The buses, a part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, could soon initiate trial runs on select routes in the coming months.
The double-decker buses were phased out in 1989. Transport Minister Pankaj Singh recently confirmed that the officials are working on a route map to see whether the buses can be run safely on the roads. “There are concerns regarding the height and weight of the bus and how easy or difficult it will be to manoeuvre it in Delhi traffic. Based on the results of the pilot survey, we will move forward,” he added.
According to reports, the new double-decker buses, poised to enhance the national capital’s public transport experience, will have the following features:
- Seating capacity: Over 63 passengers
- Height: 4.75m
- Length: 9.8m
- Nearly thrice the capacity of nine-metre DEVI buses.
The announcement of double-decker buses has sparked nostalgia and excitement among Delhiites. Many social media users have expressed differing opinions on these electric buses. A user said, “Problem is price, normally bhi DTC ki CNG buses bohot less and AC, Electric buses itani jyada he, joh females ke liye free but male passengers ke liye more expensive hai.”
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