Norms set, double-decker buses may ply on 70 routes

NEW DELHI: The transport ministry has rolled out the code, including safety specifications, for double-decker buses that can ply between cities and on inter-state routes. The ministry has identified over 70 routes, which have high potential of running these buses, which can carry up to 80-82 passengers.

As per the government specifications, the double decker buses will have two service doors on the lower deck and at least two emergency exits for upper deck as well as lower deck other than escape hatches. “Double decker buses with high quality service and comfort can reduce the number of cars plying between cities in a big way. This is catching up in cities across the globe. If people get assured and good service, why will they take out their cars for long drive?” road transport minister Nitin Gadkari told TOI, adding that his ministry was keen on accelerating this initiative.

Some of the routes that have been identified include Delhi-Agra, Delhi-Jaipur, Lucknow-Gorakhpur, Vadodara-Mumbai, Srinagar-Jalandhar, Kozhikode-Kochi, Bengaluru-Mangaluru and Visakhapatnam-Bhubaneswar.


Bus operators said making of such buses was yet to take off, but there was huge potential for business in this sector. “Doubledecker buseswithonly seating facility can cover routes up to 500-600 km,” said Prasanna Patwardhan, president of BusOperators Confederation of India.

He added operators can customise these buses for different customers.