Chennai's Iconic Double-Decker Buses to Make Electric Comeback

18 Jul 2024 CW Team

The procurement will occur under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model in the project's second phase. Under this model, a private company will own, operate, and maintain the electric buses, while MTC will manage the routes and fares. The private operator will be compensated based on a fixed cost per kilometer, with MTC collecting bus fares and receiving viability gap funding from the State government.

Last August, Chennai-based Ashok Leyland's EV arm, Switch Mobility, conducted a test run of an electric double-decker bus in the city. This test run followed Transport Minister SS Sivasankar's announcement to explore the feasibility of operating double-decker buses on tourist routes.

Chennai's history with double-decker buses dates back to the 1970s. These buses were initially taken off the roads in the 1980s but reintroduced in 1997, operating on the 18 A route from High Court to Tambaram until 2008. However, double-decker buses can only be operated on routes with sufficient vertical clearance, free from low bridges, cables, and other obstructions.

In addition to the double-decker buses, MTC will soon float bids to procure 500 e-buses for the programme's second phase. The first phase already includes a tender for 500 e-buses' procurement, supply, operation, and maintenance under the GCC model. The Rs 9.6-billion project will see the international aid agency contribute 70% of the funds, with the State government covering the remaining 30%.

This initiative follows Mumbai's introduction of the country's first double-decker AC electric buses in January 2023, replacing their diesel counterparts. The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation also plans to procure double-decker electric buses, indicating a nationwide shift towards electric public transportation.

Chennai's iconic double-decker buses are set to return to the city's streets next year, this time as electric vehicles. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) will procure these buses as part of the World Bank-funded Chennai City Partnership Programme project. The procurement will occur under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model in the project's second phase. Under this model, a private company will own, operate, and maintain the electric buses, while MTC will manage the routes and fares. The private operator will be compensated based on a fixed cost per kilometer, with MTC collecting bus fares and receiving viability gap funding from the State government. Last August, Chennai-based Ashok Leyland's EV arm, Switch Mobility, conducted a test run of an electric double-decker bus in the city. This test run followed Transport Minister SS Sivasankar's announcement to explore the feasibility of operating double-decker buses on tourist routes. Chennai's history with double-decker buses dates back to the 1970s. These buses were initially taken off the roads in the 1980s but reintroduced in 1997, operating on the 18 A route from High Court to Tambaram until 2008. However, double-decker buses can only be operated on routes with sufficient vertical clearance, free from low bridges, cables, and other obstructions. In addition to the double-decker buses, MTC will soon float bids to procure 500 e-buses for the programme's second phase. The first phase already includes a tender for 500 e-buses' procurement, supply, operation, and maintenance under the GCC model. The Rs 9.6-billion project will see the international aid agency contribute 70% of the funds, with the State government covering the remaining 30%. This initiative follows Mumbai's introduction of the country's first double-decker AC electric buses in January 2023, replacing their diesel counterparts. The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation also plans to procure double-decker electric buses, indicating a nationwide shift towards electric public transportation.

Infrastructure Urban

19 Aug 2025

APCRDA Approves Rs 9.04 Bn to Upgrade Infrastructure in 29 Amaravati Villages

The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has approved Rs 9.04 billion for addressing key infrastructure gaps in 29 villages within Amaravati’s greenfield capital area, announced Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana at the 51st CRDA meeting.The funds will be used to upgrade critical facilities including roads, drains, drinking water supply, sewerage systems, and street lighting. A detailed assessment revealed a 30 per cent shortfall in water supply, a total absence of sewerage infrastructure, a 40 per cent defici..

Infrastructure Transport

19 Aug 2025

Cabinet Approves Phase-1B of Lucknow Metro Rail Project Worth Rs 58.01 Bn

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved Phase-1B of the Lucknow Metro Rail Project in Uttar Pradesh. This phase covers an 11.165 km corridor with 12 stations—7 underground and 5 elevated—extending the city’s metro network to 34 km upon completion.Phase-1B targets the dense, historic parts of Lucknow, enhancing connectivity across key commercial, healthcare, tourist, and culinary hubs. Important areas served include Aminabad, Yahiyaganj, Pandeyganj, Chowk, King George’s Medical University, and landmarks like Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza.This expansion prom..

Infrastructure Transport

19 Aug 2025

Major Upgrades Planned for Tamil Nadu’s National Waterways

Tamil Nadu is poised for significant infrastructure upgrades across its National Waterways (NWs), with a focus on developing jetties, cargo hubs, and cruise tourism circuits, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. These projects aim to promote sustainable inland water transport and boost regional economic activity.Key projects include the development of Buckingham Canal (part of NW-4), with jetties planned at the following locations:Mahabalipuram to Ediyur BridgeCooum River near Marina BeachPulicat LakeEnnore Port to ETPS, specifically for cargo operationsOther National Wa..

Chennai's Iconic Double-Decker Buses to Make Electric Comeback

APCRDA Approves Rs 9.04 Bn to Upgrade Infrastructure in 29 Amaravati Villages

Cabinet Approves Phase-1B of Lucknow Metro Rail Project Worth Rs 58.01 Bn

Major Upgrades Planned for Tamil Nadu’s National Waterways

Latest Updates

Recommended for you

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Modal Heading

First Name *

Last Name *

Industry *

Email Address *

Mobile Number *

Password *

Confirm Password *

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Email Address *

Password *

Please enter the details

Email Address

15th RAHSTA EXPO 2025

Modal Heading

First Name *

Last Name *

Industry *

Email Address *

Mobile Number *

Password *

Confirm Password *

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Email Address *

Password *

Please enter the details

Email Address