India’s first electric double-decker bus unveiled in Mumbai

Tags: National National News

Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari on 18 August unveiled India’s first electric double-decker air-conditioned bus in Mumbai.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) introduced the first of its newly acquired electric double-decker air-conditioned bus.

• This electric double-decker bus will be the world's first - semi-low floor, air-conditioned, electric double-decker with wide doors on the rear overhang and a ladder at the rear.

• The double-decker electric bus is manufactured by Switch Mobility, the electric vehicle arm of Ashok Leyland.

• The company has signed a contract with BEST for the supply of 900 electric buses in various phases.

• Of these, 50% buses are expected to arrive by March 2023 and the remaining 50 per cent after that.

• This initiative upholds the vision of a self-reliant India and provides sustainable and cost-effective solutions.

• Compared to a single-decker bus, the number of passengers sitting in it can be almost double.