India’s First Air-conditioned Electric Double-decker Bus Launched in Mumbai on 21 February 2023

A BEST electric air-conditioned double-decker bus started operations in Mumbai on two routes on 21 February 2023. It is the first such bus in India.

Written by: Arjita Gupta

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: February 22, 2023

BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) introduced its maiden air-conditioned electric double-decker bus on 21 February 2023. This is also India’s first time to have launched such a vehicle. The e-bus is currently available starting from route number 115. Thus, the bus will transport people between CSTM and Nariman Point in South Mumbai on Tuesday, 8:45 am. The electric bus is one of the 200 buses, which was hired on a wet leave by the BEST from a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland – Switch Mobility.

The bus is equipped with mobile charging points, digital destination boards, CCTV, public addressing system, and GPS. Several people clicked photos of the red and black e-bus. Videos of the electric double-decker are also circulating online. Those who love traveling by bus did not lose the chance to experience the thrill. The exterior color scheme was also frowned upon by a few. Then some passengers did not like the lack of height on the upper deck and its seat arrangement.

But concerns about seating arrangement have been voiced by many. Especially, the slope of the seats at the front can prompt the passengers who are seated to slide off if the vehicle puts on a hard break. Then many passengers were impressed that the e-bus had two staircases. This can ease the management of boarding and alighting, and control pushing and overcrowding. The protocol is that individuals have to exit and enter from the back and front door, respectively.

Before the initial ride, it was decided by BEST to permit travelers on the bus who book from the Chalo app or card. But this led to chaos during the first ride, triggering the allotment of a conductor on board for further journeys henceforth. Critics pointed out that the front side staircase and a couple of seats at its base do not leave much landing space for people who descend from the upper deck. As the seats in question are just a foot in distance from the last step.

A former BEST panel member was concerned about the electric double-decker bus not meeting the Automotive Industry Standards (AIS-139), wherein the upper deck should have two emergency exits, and the staircase is one of the emergency exits here. The official was also of the opinion that the removal of the two seats will better ensure safety in case of immediate evacuations.

But Hemangini Patil (Deputy RTO of Vashi) said that they have checked the seat arrangement and the vehicle properly for public use, and the same is in according with the ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) – approved design layout. BEST may also introduce two more such electric buses with double decks soon, with routes originating from Kurla and the other from Churchgate.