For many Delhi residents, the mere mention of double-decker buses evokes nostalgia — memories of climbing up the stairs to the upper deck, gazing at the city’s busy streets from above, and feeling a simple joy that only something as ordinary as a bus ride can bring. After decades, this iconic mode of transport is returning to the heart of the capital — but this time with a modern twist, a new purpose, and a renewed promise to both locals and visitors.
Delhi is gearing up to reintroduce double-decker buses on its roads after they disappeared from the city’s public transport network over three decades ago. These buses aren’t just returning as a blast from the past, but as part of a broader plan to boost tourism, celebrate the city’s heritage, and offer a novel experience for residents and tourists alike.
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The Return of an Old Favourite
Double-decker buses were once a staple of Delhi’s streets. In earlier decades — particularly in the 1970s and 1980s — these vehicles operated under the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) as “Suvidha buses.” They were known for their bright appeal, capacity to carry large numbers of passengers, and a certain charm that became woven into the city’s character. But by 1989, as the bus fleet aged and fuel-efficiency needs changed, these double-deckers were phased out.
Fast forward to 2025, and the city is ready to see them glide down its roads once again — albeit in a contemporary avatar
A Modern, Eco-Friendly Twist
Unlike the old models that ran on conventional fuels, the new double-decker buses set to hit Delhi’s streets are electric. This is not just a nostalgic revival but a forward-looking move aligned with environmental goals and sustainable urban transport planning.
Electric buses have been a priority for Delhi’s public transport expansion for several years now. By 2025, Delhi aims to run a majority of its fleet on electricity to reduce air pollution and modernise commuting options.
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One of the first steps toward this vision has been the procurement of electric double-decker buses under corporate social responsibility initiatives, such as the one undertaken by Ashok Leyland — a major manufacturer in the automotive space. These buses have been delivered to the transport department and are now ready for deployment.
Where Will the Double-Deckers Run?
Rather than functioning as regular city buses on crowded commuter routes, the new double-deckers will be part of a special tourist circuit — a deliberate choice that elevates their role from mere transport vehicles to moving sights of the city.
The initial route is planned to begin at Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, a museum dedicated to the Prime Ministers of India, and will connect it to several of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks. Among the destinations included — or expected to be included — are:
The National War Memorial, a place of homage and history
- Bharat Mandapam, a landmark cultural and convention centre
- The new Parliament complex, symbolising India’s democratic core
- Dilli Haat, a vibrant marketplace showcasing regional crafts and cuisine
- Other key tourist attractions that define Delhi’s spirit and character
- This setup makes the double-decker buses not just vehicles, but storytellers — ferries that carry guests through time and space in the capital.
A Ride With a View (and a Guide!)
These buses are built to be large and welcoming: about 9.8 metres long and 4.75 metres tall, with seating for more than 63 passengers besides the driver.
What truly sets them apart is that they will come with on-board guides who help passengers understand the history, significance, and stories behind what they see. Essentially, the bus becomes an audio-visual journey through Delhi’s heritage, blending tradition, architecture, and culture into a relaxed sightseeing experience.
This elevates the ride from a mere commute to an immersive tour — perfect for tourists and residents who want to rediscover their city.
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Making It Attractive and Accessible
The price points for these trips have been announced to be tourist-friendly: around ₹500 for adults and ₹300 for children between ages 6 and 12. These fares are designed to be accessible, encouraging families, students, and visitors not only to ride but to explore parts of Delhi they might otherwise miss.
What’s more, the buses themselves will be visually appealing. Plans include decorating them with vibrant artwork and images of Delhi’s landmarks, such as the Signature Bridge and India Gate — turning them themselves into moving postcards of the city.
Why This Matters
You might wonder: why bring back double-deckers for a tourist route — especially in a city as bustling as Delhi, where traffic management and public transport needs are already complex?
The answer lies in a blend of culture, heritage, and identity.
1. Heritage Meets Modernity
In a city that’s constantly modernising — with new metro lines, smart bus services, and electric fleets — there’s something uniquely appealing about preserving links to the past. Double-deckers are part of the capital’s living memory, and their return acknowledges that tradition can complement progress.
2. Tourism With a Local Pulse
Delhi is one of India’s most visited cities by tourists — domestic and international. While buses and cars already run full circuits of monuments, having a dedicated heritage bus route adds depth and context to the sightseeing experience, much like iconic tourist buses in cities like London or Singapore.
3. Sustainability Goals
Electric double-deckers fit into Delhi’s broader environmental and transport goals. As part of the ongoing transition to greener buses across the city, they help decrease carbon emissions, ease urban pollution, and promote cleaner public mobility solutions.
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A Vision for the Future
While the initial deployment is tailored to tourism, city planners and transport officials have hinted that this is just the beginning. If the route proves successful — and public interest remains strong — there’s potential to expand services, add more routes, and bring even more electric double-deckers to the city’s transport lineup.
The revival also reflects broader efforts by the Delhi government to re-energise public transport services in the capital — a challenge that includes not only new buses and routes but also ways to address funding, optimisation, and route restructuring for current fleets.
Whether you’re a Delhi resident looking for a new way to see your hometown or a visitor excited to explore India’s historic capital, these buses are more than just vehicles — they’re a bridge between Delhi’s past and its future.
Final Thoughts
In a world where cities are constantly racing toward rapid modernisation, it’s rare to see a public transport initiative that celebrates heritage, embraces sustainability, and enhances the travel experience all at once.
Delhi’s double-decker buses are doing just that.
They are a reminder that progress doesn’t have to erase history; sometimes, it just needs to reimagine it — one ride at a time.
