Commuters in the capital will soon see electric double-decker buses back on the roads after a gap of nearly four decades. The Delhi Transport Corporation plans to induct 100 such buses as part of its ongoing transition to electric mobility. These vehicles will provide an eco-friendly alternative while adding capacity on busy routes.
The new buses are being supplied under a contract with Convergence Energy Services Limited, which is also providing 1,500 single-deck electric buses to the city. Each double-decker is 4.75 metres tall and 9.8 metres long and can seat 63 passengers, compared with around 40 seats in a standard bus. The buses come with air-conditioning, a low-floor design for easier boarding and an orange exterior.
A prototype vehicle has already arrived at the Tilak Nagar bus depot for inspection and trial runs. Transport officials will assess performance, passenger comfort and operational aspects before deploying the fleet on major routes. The return of double-deckers, last seen in Delhi in the mid-1980s, is expected to attract more commuters to public transport and reduce dependence on private vehicles.
Key facts: 100 electric double-decker buses have been ordered; each bus seats 63 passengers, stands 4.75 metres tall and measures 9.8 metres long; air-conditioned interiors and low floors ensure comfort and accessibility; a prototype is undergoing trials at Tilak Nagar depot; an additional 1,500 electric buses are being supplied as part of the same project.
Following successful trials, the double-decker buses will be introduced on routes with high passenger volumes. Feedback from riders will help refine deployment and schedule decisions. If the initiative proves successful, authorities may expand the fleet, further enhancing public transport capacity and contributing to cleaner urban travel.
- Delhi will induct 100 electric double-decker buses, reviving a service absent since the mid-1980s.
- Each bus seats 63 passengers, is 4.75 m tall and 9.8 m long, and features air-conditioning.
- The buses are supplied alongside 1,500 other electric buses through a contract with Convergence Energy Services Ltd.
- A prototype is undergoing trials at Tilak Nagar depot before wider deployment.
- Buses will run on busy routes once trials are complete, aiming to boost capacity and reduce emissions.
