NMMT plan for ten electric double-decker buses remains stalled after three years
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) has failed to implement its plan to introduce 10 electric double-decker buses, which remains stalled more than three years after its initial announcement. The eco-friendly public transport initiative, which also featured a proposed "Double Decker Darshan" tourist service, was intended to serve commuters along the Koperkhairane-Ghansoli route and connect key tourist destinations across the city. As of July 17, 2026, the public transit project has seen no progress, delaying the expansion of the city's sustainable public transit network.
The proposal to procure and run the 10 air-conditioned electric double-decker buses was first officially unveiled during the presentation of the NMMT Budget for the 2022-23 financial year. Under the original budget proposal, these modern, emission-free buses were expected to upgrade the local public transit system and offer a more environmentally friendly transit option for daily commuters.
In addition to the standard passenger services planned for the Koperkhairane-Ghansoli route, the transport body had planned to launch a dedicated sightseeing service. Named the "Double Decker Darshan," this special air-conditioned service was designed to transport visitors and residents alike to major tourist attractions and landmarks across Navi Mumbai.
However, the entire procurement and deployment project has been put on hold, and the planned fleet expansion has not materialized. This prolonged delay stands in stark contrast to other public transport undertakings operating across the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region, many of which have successfully expanded their respective electric bus fleets during the same three-year period.
Because the project remains stalled, Navi Mumbai continues to lag behind its regional peers in transitioning to a larger electric bus fleet. The 10 proposed electric double-decker buses and the accompanying "Double Decker Darshan" sightseeing service remain unavailable to the public, leaving commuters and tourists without the promised eco-friendly transit options.
