In a move that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge green technology, Chennai is set to witness the return of its iconic double-decker buses after a hiatus of seventeen years. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has initiated a significant step towards reviving this beloved mode of public transport, not with the old diesel engines, but with a modern fleet of twenty fully electric and air-conditioned double-deckers.
A Modern Revival with Electric Power
The revival plan marks a stark departure from the past. Unlike the earlier models that plied Chennai's roads, the new double-decker buses will be zero-emission electric vehicles. This shift promises a quieter, cleaner, and more comfortable commuting experience for the city's residents. The tender process for procuring these 20 buses is already underway, signaling MTC's commitment to modernizing public transport while supporting Tamil Nadu's and India's clean mobility goals.
The announcement follows a successful trial run that captured the city's imagination. A red electric double-decker bus, manufactured by Switch Mobility (the electric vehicle arm of Ashok Leyland), was tested on Chennai's streets. Videos of this test run quickly went viral on social media platforms, sparking waves of nostalgia among older citizens who remember the buses from decades ago and generating keen curiosity among younger generations who have never had the chance to ride one in Chennai.
Route Planning and Operational Challenges
However, the return of these tall vehicles comes with specific logistical challenges. MTC officials have clarified that the buses will not operate on all routes across the city. The primary concern is ensuring adequate vertical clearance to avoid collisions with overhead obstructions such as electric cables, flyovers, road signage, and overhanging tree branches.
After careful consideration, the operations have been tentatively narrowed down to two specific routes that historically hosted double-decker services. According to MTC Joint Managing Director R Sundarapandian, the identified routes are A18 from Broadway to Tambaram and M-70 from Koyambedu to Broadway. The private operator selected through the tender will be responsible for conducting a detailed vertical clearance study on these routes to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement of the buses.
A Storied History Makes a Comeback
The return holds deep historical significance for Chennai's transport narrative. Double-decker buses were first introduced in the city in the 1970s. After being phased out in the 1980s due to operational issues, they saw a brief revival in 1997 on the 18A route. This service continued until 2008, when the buses were finally withdrawn, leaving a seventeen-year gap until the present initiative.
Thus, the upcoming launch is more than just an addition to the city's bus fleet; it is a symbolic return of a cultural icon, now reimagined for the sustainable future of urban mobility. It represents a conscious effort to marry Chennai's rich commuting heritage with the environmental and technological imperatives of the 21st century.
