Hyderabad double-decker buses lie underused despite ₹ 12 crore spend
HYDERABAD: Double-decker buses introduced by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) to promote city tourism are drawing few passengers due to poor awareness and unclear route information.
The HMDA brought six modern double-decker buses six years ago to offer free rides to key tourist spots. However, visitors say they are unaware of routes, timings and boarding points. Officials have not publicised that travel is free.
Tourism department seeks transfer of buses
Each bus cost ₹ 2 crore. The six buses were procured at a total cost of ₹ 12 crore and are operated under the Buddha Purnima Project Authority. Monthly maintenance expenditure exceeds ₹ 1 crore.
Three buses operate from Necklace Road to Hitech City, two run from Tank Bund to Golconda, and one circles Tank Bund via Sanjeevaiah Park, Necklace Road, People’s Plaza, NTR Gardens, Lumbini Park, Secretariat and Boats Club. The buses carry only the label “Free Bus” without route details, leaving visitors unsure of destinations. Though officials claim 60% occupancy, most buses run with fewer than 10 passengers, and some operate nearly empty. Allegations suggest that only one or two buses run on certain routes and that services are irregular.
The tourism department has written to HMDA seeking transfer of all six buses, stating they are underutilised. An official said discussions are under way and the department plans to deploy them to major tourist destinations across Telangana. Proposals were also prepared earlier to introduce a package to Ramappa Temple in Warangal using these buses.
Residents recall RTC double-decker era
Older residents recall the popularity of double-decker buses once operated by the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation in the 1970s. Services ran from Koti to Paradise and from Secunderabad to Afzalgunj and Charminar. Many remember enjoying the upper deck ride along Tank Bund and Abids.
K Muraleedhar, an advocate from Secunderabad, said, “In my childhood, double-decker buses ran on several routes. Travelling on the upper deck from Tank Bund to Charminar is still unforgettable. I was unaware that such buses are running now. If authorities create awareness, more people will use them.”
Kalyan, a student of Osmania University, said he had only heard from his parents about double-decker services in the city. “I have not read about the current buses or seen them. Many youngsters want to experience a double-decker ride. Authorities should publicise routes and timings,” he added.
