Delhi is all set to welcome back an old icon on its roads—double-decker buses—after a gap of nearly 35 years. This time, however, the city’s beloved buses are returning in a new electric avatar, blending nostalgia with sustainability.
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), under its electric mobility push, has now introduced a pilot project to test electric double-decker buses. The first bus, built by Ashok Leyland under a CSR initiative, is already stationed at the Okhla bus depot, with two more expected to join soon for trial runs.
Unlike their diesel predecessors, the new double-deckers are fully electric, offering zero tailpipe emissions. They are designed with modern features, better efficiency, and improved passenger safety standards.
Around 63 passengers, nearly three times more than a standard low-floor bus can be seated. The DTC is currently assessing suitable routes for the buses, ensuring they avoid flyovers, low-hanging wires, or tree canopies that could obstruct movement.
The return of double-decker buses is part of Delhi’s broader transport transformation. The city plans to induct over 8,000 electric buses by 2025, creating a cleaner, greener public transport system. Double-deckers, with their higher capacity, can ease congestion on busy routes while also serving as a potential attraction for tourists.
If the pilot run proves successful, Delhiites may soon see these iconic buses back on the roads—this time quieter, cleaner, and greener. The comeback of double-decker buses is not just a nod to the past, but also a glimpse into the city’s sustainable future.
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