Hyderabad Tourist Bus: Hyderabad to Get Open Top Electric Double Decker Tourist Buses

Hyderabad Tourist Bus: Hyderabad is set to bring back the charm of double decker buses in a completely new form. The Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TG TDC) has invited proposals to introduce two open top electric double decker buses for city sightseeing.

The proposed buses will have a fully open upper deck, allowing passengers to enjoy views of Hyderabad while travelling through the city. The lower deck, meanwhile, will be air conditioned, giving tourists an option to travel comfortably during hot or rainy weather.

The service is being planned as a dedicated tourism experience rather than regular public transport. Officials are looking at routes covering a mix of Hyderabad’s historic landmarks and newer attractions, including Necklace Road, Tank Bund, Golconda, HITEC City and Waverock.

The new buses are expected to come with several facilities designed specifically for sightseeing. A public address system, microphones and speakers will allow guides to explain the history and significance of places along the route.

Passengers will also have access to USB charging points. CCTV cameras and GPS tracking are among the other facilities being planned, while LED lighting is expected to give the buses a distinctive look during evening trips.

The tourism department is also exploring the possibility of bringing six electric double decker buses currently with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) under its control. Officials have approached HMDA regarding the transfer, and the proposal has reportedly received an in principle response.

These six buses were procured by HMDA in connection with the Formula E event held in Hyderabad in 2023. The reported cost was around ₹12 crore, with each bus costing approximately ₹2 crore. The buses can reportedly cover around 150 kilometres on a single charge.

Double decker buses are not new to Hyderabad. The city had a long association with these buses, with their history going back several decades. According to historical accounts, Albion CX19 buses were brought from England in 1946 and assembled by Hyderabad Allwyn.

Over the years, rising maintenance expenses and difficulties in sourcing spare parts contributed to the gradual decline of the service. Double decker operations eventually disappeared from Hyderabad’s roads by 2003.

Nearly two decades later, the concept is being brought back with electric technology and a tourism-focused design. Instead of serving everyday commuters, the proposed buses will allow visitors to experience Hyderabad from an open upper deck while travelling between some of the city’s best known attractions.

If the plans move ahead, the new service could add another sightseeing option for tourists and give Hyderabad’s familiar double decker legacy a modern update.