Double-decker buses return to Hyderabad after 20 years

Hyderabad: Hyderabad's iconic double-decker buses were relaunched in the city on Tuesday. Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development KTR, CS Santhi Kumari, MP Ranjith Reddy, MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi, and Special Chief Secretary of MA&UD Arvind Kumar were present at the launch of the three electric double-decker buses. The buses will initially run around the Formula E race track covering Tank Bund, Necklace Road, Paradise, and Nizam College stretch on 11th February, and later along a heritage circuit to boost tourism. With a length of 9.8 meters and height of 4.7 meters, the buses can seat 65 passengers plus the driver on two levels and have a range of 150 km with a 2-2.5 hour charge. The conventional double-decker buses, which were discontinued in 2003, were brought back following a citizen's request on Twitter. The job was given to HMDA as TSRTC could not afford to buy new buses amid the pandemic. HMDA has ordered six electric double-decker buses, with three delivered and launched and the rest expected soon. The company plans to expand the fleet to 20 buses, each costing ₹2.16 crore and with an annual maintenance contract for seven years.