AC double-decker e-bus likely in March in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Here's some good news for youngsters in the city who have never travelled in a double-decker bus.

Bengaluru's first AC double-decker electric bus is likely to be operational from next month. According to Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) sources, Switch Mobility, the EV subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, emerged as the lone bidder in the tender for five double-decker AC e-buses at a cost of Rs 10 crore. The last date for bid submission was Thursday.

"Switch EiV 22, India's first electric AC double-decker bus, was recently rolled out. Mumbai's BEST already placed orders for 200 electric double-deckers and the first set of 22 such buses is now operational there. In fact, there are no other qualified manufacturers in the AC double-decker e-bus segment so far. Our plan is to roll out the AC double-decker e-bus before the election model code of conduct kicks in," a BMTC source said.

Confirming the move to STOI, BMTC director (IT) AV Surya Sen said: "We may get the first AC double-decker electric bus by March and another four by April-May. We're thinking of operating on Hebbal-Silk Board for regular passenger service and the fare will be the same as Vajra (Volvo AC) fare."

BMTC recently invited this tender to purchase five double-decker AC e-buses under directorate of urban land transport (DULT) funds.

Switch's electric AC double-decker buses, manufactured in India, claim to have a battery range of up to 250km. The EiV 22 e-bus features wide front and rear doors, two staircases, and an emergency door. It can accommodate 65 seated passengers. TOI was the first to highlight BMTC's plan in an article titled 'Double-decker buses will return to Bengaluru roads in new e-avatar', published on September 15, 2022.