Mumbai: Rotting double-decker buses are a waste of resources

While the vehicles have almost turned into junk, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) said it is making an effort to revive them.

Mumbai's love for its double-decker buses may be unflinching, but a corner of the bus depot in Santacruz offers a stark contrast. Days after a report in this newspaper about a bunch of AC double-decker buses, bought for tourist rides, rusting for over two years in the depot, readers are still responding with disappointment and outrage.

While the vehicles have almost turned into junk, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) said it is making an effort to revive them.

Mumbai has a special connection with double-deckers. Something must be done to bring these back into service.

The state had bought the 'Hop On, Hop Off' or 'Ho Ho' buses in 2016 for about Rs 8 crore. They ran between Mumbai CSMT and Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

With 46 seats, the buses have an air-conditioned lower deck and an open-air upper deck. While there may be some factors that have made them fall into disuse, it would have been much better if they were used on different routes or creatively.

It is also disheartening that they have been reduced to junk instead of being maintained.

We want to see less wasteful expenditure in every aspect of governance and public funds. Infra that has been bought or built needs to be put to good use, so that money is not frittered away.

Today we have so many initiatives when it comes to our city, from street art to engagement with experts to the preservation of heritage. These buses could have been transformed by urban planners. If there is an effort at revival, let it be serious and for the long haul, so that money spent on repairs, facelift and overhaul, for literally bringing them back from the dead, is well used.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!