Chennai, Jan 8 (NationPress) The city of Chennai is preparing for the revival of double-decker buses after more than 17 years, as the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has devised a plan to incorporate 20 air-conditioned electric double-decker buses into its fleet electrification initiative.

A tender released by the MTC on Thursday outlines the procurement of these buses under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model.

Interested bidders are invited to a pre-bid meeting on January 13 at 3 p.m. Within the GCC framework, the selected contractor will be responsible for owning, operating, and maintaining the buses, while the MTC will compensate based on the kilometers traveled.

However, fare collection and revenue will remain with the transport organization. This strategic move is a notable step towards a modern and sustainable public transport system in the city and has already sparked significant public enthusiasm. The excitement was recently ignited when an electric double-decker bus produced by Switch Mobility was spotted on the streets of Chennai, with images and videos widely shared on social media.

Officials have clarified that the new buses will not operate throughout the entire city network. Due to their height, double-decker buses necessitate sufficient vertical clearance, making them impractical for routes with low bridges, overhead power lines, flyovers, or other structural barriers.

Consequently, services will be limited to specific corridors that satisfy safety and infrastructure criteria. This initiative aligns Chennai with similar advancements in other Indian cities.

Mumbai launched the country’s first air-conditioned electric double-decker buses in January 2023, while both Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar have adopted such services in recent years.

Thiruvananthapuram operates open-top double-decker buses primarily for tourism purposes. All 20 buses proposed for Chennai are designed, developed, and manufactured by a private company.

This company previously conducted a trial run of an electric double-decker bus in the city in August 2023, following an announcement by the Transport Minister regarding the feasibility of operating double-decker buses, particularly on selected tourist routes.

Chennai has a rich history with double-decker buses that dates back to the 1970s. Although they were discontinued in the 1980s, the iconic buses made a short-lived return in 1997, operating on the High Court–Tambaram route until 2008 when they were withdrawn again. The current proposal, according to officials, aims to rejuvenate that legacy in a cleaner and more commuter-friendly electric form.