Prayagraj: The Sangam city is making a second attempt to launch double-decker e-bus services for commuters, with the first 4.8-metre-high bus now stationed at Prayag depot and officials conducting a detailed route survey before finalising its operation. The UP State Roadways Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) is considering routes connecting major railway stations and other key parts of the city, with the service likely to start this month if safety checks are completed.The proposed service is being planned as the first double-decker city bus operation by the Corporation in Prayagraj. Officials are considering Subedarganj-Chheoki as a key route, which would provide direct connectivity between the two railway stations. Civil Lines-Rambagh-Alopibagh is another route under consideration. A trial run between the All Saints’ Cathedral and Alopibagh has already been successfully conducted.Regional Manager Ravindra Kumar Singh said the route survey was underway and the final route was expected to be decided within a week. Officials are checking railway underbridges, overhead electricity wires, low-hanging tree branches and other obstacles that could pose a risk to the 4.8-metre-high bus.The latest exercise follows an unsuccessful attempt in 2025 to introduce double-decker e-buses in Prayagraj. Two buses had arrived before Maha Kumbh but remained parked at Prayag depot after officials found several routes unsuitable because of inadequate clearance. In April 2025, Airport-Civil Lines and Govindpur-Prayagraj Chheoki had been proposed, but the service could not be launched. The buses were later sent back to Lucknow after clearance issues were identified at underpasses including Niranjan, CMP, Sohbatiabagh, Jhalwa, Bairhana, Geeta Niketan and Kundan Guest House.This time, Roadways is taking a more cautious approach to avoid operational problems. The AC bus has 65 seats and CCTV cameras for passenger safety, allowing it to carry more passengers than a conventional city bus.Officials are also examining the feasibility of operating double-decker buses between Bamrauli airport and Jhunsi and on other important city routes. If the route survey and safety clearances are completed as planned, the service could be launched this month, giving commuters a higher-capacity public transport option while improving connectivity between major transport hubs.
