Tirupati unveils first-ever double decker EV bus service

Tirupati: The holy city’s first-ever air-conditioned electric double-decker bus service, the first for AP too, was launched here on Thursday. It has a seating capacity of 65.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams chairman Bhumana Karunakar inaugurated the MCT service.

Mayor Sirisha, deputy mayors Abhinay Reddy, Mudra Narayana, and municipal commissioner Haritha formed part of the inaugural ride.

The TTD chairman noted that Tirupati was among the fast-growing smart cities. “It is blessed with more than 18 master plan roads and focusing on affordable and eco-friendly public transportation,” he said.

The deputy mayor said MCT has partnered with the APSRTC to start the double-decker bus service through four crucial routes. Three more electric double-decker buses would be procured by MCT to provide the city’s four lakh population with modern public transport. The city also has a daily influx of around a lakh devotees as visitors.

The electric double-decker bus was acquired by the MCT at a cost of  Rs. 2 crore from Switch Mobility. Its routes are designed to connect key tourist destinations, including temples and choultries.