India's First Electric Double Decker Bus Launched In Mumbai By Nitin Gadkari

The bus has been made by Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland. The bus will join the fleet of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST).

Nitin Gadkari on Thursday unveiled India's first electric double decker bus

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday unveiled India's first electric double decker air conditioned bus in Mumbai, Switch EiV 22. Gadkari said the government was trying to build low footprint and a high passenger density integrated EV mobility ecosystem. The bus has been made by Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland.

The bus was unveiled at an event held at NCPA in south Mumbai. Apart from Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadanvis attended the event.

The bus will join the fleet of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST). CCTV cameras have been installed in the bus as a security measure.

The length of the electric double-decker ranges between 10.5 metre and 11.1 metre, is powered by a 250kW electric motor and has a range of up to 250 km on a single charge.

These buses, with a seating capacity for 65 passengers, will replace the existing double-decker fleet of the BEST. As of now, Switch is operating its twin-floor electric AC buses in the United Kingdom.

The double-decker bus is equipped with wide front and rear doors, two staircases and an emergency door.

"Switch EiV 22 is equipped with the latest technology, ultra-modern design, highest safety and best-in-class comfort features. The renewed iconic double decker bus is designed to revolutionize public transportation in the country and will set new standards in the intra-city bus market," according to a statement by the company.

BEST has awarded a contract to a private company for the supply of 900 electric buses in phases. Of these, 50 per cent of buses are expected to be delivered by March 2023 and the remaining 50 per cent thereafter.

It is part of BEST's plans to launch premium app-based public transport in Mumbai. Passengers will have to book their seats through the mobile application and they might have to shell out more fares as compared to the conventional buses for this premium service, PTI quoted officials sas saying.