Double-deckers may hit city roads

The corporation is currently undertaking a feasibility report to ascertain whether the changed roads and infrastructure of Bangalore are conducive for double-deckers, which had disappeared from the city roads several years ago.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, BMTC Managing Director K R Srinivasa said the road infrastructure now may present an obstacle to double-deckers.

 “Volvo will be ready to supply them. However, in the city, we are unable to find any stretch of roads without an underpass or hanging branches. With this in the background, no double-decker can ever ply on major routes,” he said. According to him, the routes where AC double-deckers will prove profitable are the ones with many underpasses, magic boxes and trees lining the roads.

M P Prabhudas, Chief Traffic Manager Operations, said: “When I and MD Srinivas visited London in September, we discussed about getting the London model of double-decker to Bangalore. But the road system is very difficult here.”

An official from Volvo Buses India said: “In the coming Auto Expo in 2012, we will display a variety of new products for both inter state and city buses. However, the double-decker will not be displayed as BMTC is yet to make a request for it.”

The official further added that the company was more than happy to meet up any demand for the double-decker from BMTC.