In a one-of-its-kind, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) today, August 18, unveiled its first electric double-decker bus at Y B Chavan Centre in south Mumbai.
The double-decker bus, which was inaugurated by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, called Switch EiV 22 will be run by BEST from September.
While addressing at the launch event, Gadkari said: “There is a need to transform the country's transport system from a long-term perspective. With focus on reforming urban transport, we are trying to build a low footprint and high passenger density integrated EV mobility ecosystem. Government's vision and policies are supportive towards EV adoption with growing consumer demand for greener solutions. Switch Mobility, subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, has revived the double-decker and remained committed to introducing new technologies for the benefit of passengers."
The renewed iconic bus is designed to revolutionise public transportation in the city. It will also set new standards in the intra-city bus market, said an official. Ashok Leyland was a pioneer among Indian manufacturers when it first launched the double decker in 1967 in Mumbai and Switch is carrying forward that legacy.
Currently, the BEST has around 3580 buses, including 45 non-AC double-deckers.
Here are its features:
Switch India has already secured an order of 200 electric double decker buses in Mumbai and is looking at a dominant space in the electric double decker segment, across key regions in the country.