In a significant boost to urban mobility, Noida is set to get its first-ever double-decker bus service operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC). The inaugural vehicle for this new fleet has already arrived at the city's Morna depot, marking a key step towards launching the much-anticipated service.
Route, Rollout, and Maintenance Plans
The air-conditioned double-decker bus service is planned to run on a prominent route connecting Gaur Chowk to Pari Chowk via the Botanical Garden bus stand. This corridor will span a distance of nearly 40 kilometers, providing a new travel option for commuters. Officials indicate that the service is likely to be rolled out in about a month's time, once all maintenance arrangements are firmly in place.
While UPSRTC will handle the operations, the maintenance of these vehicles will be undertaken by Switch Mobility. The company is expected to establish a dedicated workshop and a maintenance yard at the Morna depot campus before services commence. The final timings and fare structure for the service are yet to be announced by the authorities.
Addressing Noida's Last-Mile Connectivity Gap
This initiative responds to a long-standing demand from Noida residents for a robust city bus service. Currently, the city largely relies on private cabs and auto-rickshaws for last-mile connectivity, creating a gap in affordable public transport. The existing UPSRTC depot in Noida operates 188 CNG buses that connect to neighbouring districts like Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Meerut, Agra, and Aligarh, besides long-distance services, but a dedicated intra-city service was missing.
During a recent visit, Transport Minister Daya Shankar Singh confirmed the imminent launch of the double-decker AC bus service. Resident Welfare Association (RWA) members have actively provided feedback on operational needs and suggested routes. Sanjeev Kumar, a resident of Sector 51, highlighted the need for proper maintenance and charging facilities, which are expected to take 3-4 weeks to develop. He also suggested a route connecting Gaur Chowk to Sector 51/52 metro stations to aid thousands of metro users travelling to Greater Noida West.
Broader Electric Mobility Vision and Past Attempts
The push for city buses is part of a larger strategy to enhance public transport in the region, which includes plans to induct electric buses. The Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway authorities have a proposal to procure 500 e-buses, pending the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
This is not the first attempt at a feeder service. In 2016, the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) launched 50 feeder buses, but the contract was terminated in 2020 due to low ridership. The new double-decker service aims for better integration and ridership.
The first bus, currently parked at the Morna depot, was previously in use in Allahabad and sustained some damage during its transit to Noida, with shattered window panels on three seats requiring replacement. Officials stated that three more double-decker buses are likely to join the Noida fleet soon, expanding the service's reach and frequency.
