BEST Trims Double-Decker E-Bus Height By 17cm

Mumbai's BEST undertaking has asked Switch Mobility to reduce the height of some double-decker e-buses by 17 cm due to clearance issues under the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road flyover.

The problem affects Route 310, where the 457 cm high electric double-deckers come close to the flyover's underside. BEST Committee chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao confirmed the move, stating that the modification will be for a few buses only.

BEST is expected to identify which buses among the 150 double-decker e-buses yet to be deployed can undergo the modification. The technical feasibility and cost of the proposed change will be discussed with Switch Mobility before the final number of buses is decided.

The height restriction has limited the deployment of new buses on some routes despite their popularity among commuters and tourists. BEST officials and committee members have been pushing for greater use of double-deckers on busy routes where they can provide higher passenger capacity.

At the same time, BEST is looking to bring back the tourist appeal of double-decker buses. The committee chairperson has proposed five semi-AC electric double-deckers specifically for tourist services. The proposal seeks to revive a segment that was once popular among Mumbai residents and visitors.

According to BEST officials, tourist double-deckers carried around 2,000 to 4,000 passengers over weekends, generating nearly Rs 4 lakh in revenue each weekend. Semi-AC electric buses could help BEST revive the service while offering tourists a more comfortable experience.

The proposed height modification highlights a wider challenge for BEST deploying standardised electric buses on Mumbai's roads, where varying clearances under flyovers and bridges can restrict their use. For BEST, trimming a few centimetres could determine whether its new double-decker buses can serve some of the city's busiest routes.

The move is part of BEST's fleet modernisation programme and replacement of iconic diesel-powered double-deckers. The undertaking continues to receive electric double-deckers and is expected to deploy them on busy routes once the height issue is resolved.

In the long run, the modification could help BEST increase its passenger capacity and revenue. The undertaking is also expected to explore more routes for the double-decker buses, providing commuters with a more convenient and comfortable travel experience.

The decision to modify the double-decker e-buses is a significant step towards improving Mumbai's public transportation system. With the city's growing population and increasing traffic congestion, the need for efficient and reliable public transport is more pressing than ever. BEST's efforts to modernise its fleet and increase passenger capacity are likely to have a positive impact on the city's commuters and tourists alike.

Overall, the modification of the double-decker e-buses is a welcome move that could help BEST overcome a significant operational hurdle. As the undertaking continues to modernise its fleet and expand its services, Mumbai's commuters and tourists can look forward to a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.

The success of the modified double-decker e-buses will depend on various factors, including the technical feasibility and cost of the modification, as well as the response from commuters and tourists. However, with the undertaking's commitment to improving its services and increasing passenger capacity, the future of Mumbai's public transportation system looks promising.

In conclusion, the modification of the double-decker e-buses is a significant step towards improving Mumbai's public transportation system. With the city's growing population and increasing traffic congestion, the need for efficient and reliable public transport is more pressing than ever. BEST's efforts to modernise its fleet and increase passenger capacity are likely to have a positive impact on the city's commuters and tourists alike.