HMDA spends ₹60.43L annually to run six electric double-decker buses: RTI

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) spends ₹60.43 lakh annually on the operation and maintenance (O&M) of its six electric double-decker buses in the city.

The information was disclosed in response to an RTI filed by Kareem Ansari of Barkatpura and shared through official correspondence dated October 17, 2025.

According to the RTI reply signed by the Public Information Officer (PIO), HMDA, the monthly operational cost for all six buses stands at ₹5,03,585 plus GST. These buses are operated by M/s SR Mobility Solutions, an Ahmedabad-based agency, under a work order issued on October 4, 2023.

Contract and Financial Details

The work order, issued by the Executive Engineer, HMDA Division-III, outlines a 12-month contract (from August 5, 2023, to August 4, 2024) for providing an operations manager, bus drivers, and maintenance support.

Under the terms, the total payable amount to SR Mobility Solutions for the contract period is ₹60,43,020, with an additional ₹10.87 lakh in GST, bringing the net total to ₹71.30 lakh. The rates include operational manpower, cleaning services, and maintenance costs.

The document states: “The selection of suitable personnel is required for the operation and maintenance of buses. The selected personnel, along with the effective date for engaging candidates, shall be intimated.”

Bus Details and Operations

The fleet comprises six electric double-decker AC buses, all owned by HMDA and manufactured by Switch Mobility Automotive Ltd. Each bus is a 9M SLF DD (SWITCH EIV 22.1 BOV) model with a seating capacity of 66 passengers (65+1).

The buses were inducted in 2023 and operate under a free boarding system, meaning passengers are not charged any fare. The official launch date of the service was February 7, 2023, as confirmed in the RTI response.

Routes and Timings

According to the route details furnished by HMDA, the double-decker buses currently operate on three routes:

1. Hussain Sagar Loop: Secretariat – Tank Bund – PVNR Marg – Khairatabad – Nampally (2 PM to 10 PM; 20 trips per day)

2. Secretariat to Waverock Park: Via Tank Bund, Paradise, Jubilee Hills, Mindspace, Biodiversity, and return through Mehdipatnam and Lakdi-ka-pul (10 AM to 5 PM; free boarding)

3. Secretariat to Salarjung Museum: Via Tank Bund, Paradise, Sanjeevaiah Park, Afzalgunj, and back (1 PM to 5 PM; free boarding)

Each route primarily connects tourist landmarks and central city corridors, with all services operated within Hyderabad’s metropolitan area.

Background and Implementation

The proposal for introducing electric double-decker buses was approved by the HMDA in 2023 as part of its sustainable mobility initiative. The RTI documents include copies of the original project proposal, sanction order, and agreement with SR Mobility Solutions, which confirm that the buses are maintained under HMDA’s direct supervision.

The HMDA official letter adds that all the buses are operated as free-boarding services to promote eco-friendly public transportation and reduce vehicular emissions in the city’s core zones.