No response to BMTC tenders for double-decker buses

BENGALURU: Double-decker buses in Bengaluru are a long-awaited dream. The BMTC, which is looking at budget-friendly public transport, has been mulling over re-introduction of double-decker buses on the city’s roads for the past three and a half years, but has not been successful so far.

Despite inviting tenders thrice, no company has shown interest in bidding. This has raised questions on whether the dream of bringing back double-decker buses will remain one. The transport utility had planned to introduce five double-decker buses on a trial basis, but the lack of interest from companies has put a damper on the plan.

The corporation’s efforts to reintroduce double-decker buses have so far been unsuccessful and it remains to be seen if the dream will become a reality. Double-decker buses were phased out in Bengaluru after 1997. In the 1980s, a major incident occurred when a double-decker bus, carrying schoolchildren, tilted near Ramakrishna Mission in south Bengaluru. This event marked a turning point.

Double-decker buses were discontinued in Bengaluru due to various reasons, including lack of interest from manufacturers. Hence, the dream of the Bengaluru of having double-decker buses has remained unfulfilled.