In Pics: Farewell to Mumbai's Iconic Red Double-Decker Buses: A Historical Journey
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The concept of double-decker buses in Mumbai can be traced back to the early 1930s.
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The first double-decker buses were introduced by the Bombay Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, which was established in 1905 to provide efficient public transportation services in the city. These early double-decker buses were imported from England and primarily served the southern parts of Mumbai.
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The popularity of double-decker buses grew rapidly due to their capacity to accommodate a large number of passengers in a city known for its dense population. They offered an affordable and efficient means of transport for the growing urban population of Mumbai.
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Mumbai had around 900 diesel-run double-decker buses running in the city in the beginning.
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During the mid-20th century, the double-decker buses underwent significant changes. In the 1950s and 1960s, the BEST Undertaking introduced indigenous manufacturing of these buses, reducing their reliance on imports.
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BEST right now has three open-deck double-deckers which served as sightseeing buses for tourists for the last three decades. A BEST spokesperson has also said that these will go off the roads by October 5th.
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The BEST has received several demands from commuter groups and enthusiasts to preserve at least two units to cherish the iconic buses.
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