SWITCH Mobility Rolls Out India’s First Electric Double-Decker for Delhi’s Heritage Circuit

Backed by Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja Group, the SWITCH EiV 22 blends nostalgia with next-generation engineering to redefine sustainable urban tourism in the capital

New Delhi: In a symbolic convergence of heritage and high technology, SWITCH Mobility has delivered the first fully electric, air-conditioned double-decker bus for Delhi, marking a new chapter in sustainable public transport and urban tourism.

The initiative, positioned as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) intervention, is designed to allow residents and visitors to explore the capital’s cultural landmarks aboard an emission-free vehicle—reimagining the romance of the iconic double-decker through the lens of clean mobility.

An electric mobility subsidiary of Ashok Leyland and part of the Hinduja Group, SWITCH Mobility has steadily expanded its electric bus footprint across Indian cities. With this Delhi deployment, the company aligns brand legacy with environmental stewardship.

A Curated Electric Journey Through Delhi

The newly launched service operates under a thoughtfully curated full-day route beginning at Dilli Haat – INA at 9:00 a.m. The itinerary is designed to balance tourism and comfort, offering structured stops at key landmarks including Vijay Chowk, Rashtrapati Bhavan (for a photography halt), the National Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art and the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya.

The journey culminates at the National War Memorial and India Gate before returning to Dilli Haat in the evening, providing passengers with a seamless blend of sightseeing and leisure.

By combining a heritage route with electric propulsion, the initiative positions urban tourism as both experiential and environmentally responsible—an increasingly relevant proposition in pollution-sensitive Delhi.

Engineering the EiV 22

Powering the experience is the SWITCH EiV 22, described as India’s first electric double-decker AC bus. Designed, developed and manufactured domestically, the vehicle reflects the engineering depth of Ashok Leyland’s commercial vehicle platform adapted for zero-emission architecture.

The bus is equipped with a 231 kWh NMC battery pack, delivering a range of up to 250 kilometres on a single charge. With seating capacity for 65 passengers, a lightweight aluminium body structure and optimised aerodynamics, the EiV 22 aims to balance passenger comfort with operational efficiency.

Notably, the model features a 650V architecture, dual-gun charging capability and liquid-cooled battery systems—attributes that enhance durability and charging flexibility in high-demand urban environments. The vehicle also incorporates a wider rear door and staircase, improving accessibility and passenger flow.

Industry observers note that the bus qualifies under FAME II norms, with significant localisation of components, reinforcing the government’s ‘Make in India’ push in advanced mobility manufacturing.

Leadership Perspective

At the launch event, attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, senior leadership emphasised the initiative’s social and environmental dimensions.

Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland, described the double-decker as “an icon of belonging, of shared journeys, and of city life,” adding that the initiative revives a nostalgic public transport symbol in an emission-free format.

“We are committed to advancing green mobility not just as a business proposition, but as a responsibility to society and the environment,” he noted, framing the project within broader sustainability goals.

Ganesh Mani, CEO of SWITCH Mobility and COO of Ashok Leyland, echoed that sentiment, positioning the launch as reflective of the Hinduja Group’s philosophy that growth and social contribution must move in tandem.

Expanding the Electric Footprint

The Delhi rollout builds on SWITCH Mobility’s growing national footprint. The company has already deployed approximately 100 electric tourist hop-on hop-off double-deckers across cities including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Kochi.

The broader strategy aligns with India’s electrification agenda, as urban transport agencies and state governments increasingly prioritise battery-electric fleets to reduce emissions and operating costs.

For Delhi, where vehicular pollution remains a structural concern, the introduction of an electric double-decker is as much a statement as it is a service. It signals a shift in how public transport, tourism and climate commitments can intersect.

Symbolism Meets Strategy

Double-decker buses have long occupied a special place in India’s transport memory, particularly in metropolitan centres. Their reintroduction in electric form merges heritage branding with sustainability economics appealing to both nostalgia and necessity.

From a strategic standpoint, the initiative enhances SWITCH Mobility’s visibility in the high-profile capital market while reinforcing Ashok Leyland’s positioning in the electric commercial vehicle segment.

As India’s cities grapple with congestion and carbon intensity, electric public transport solutions are no longer experimental pilots but core infrastructure investments. The SWITCH EiV 22’s arrival in Delhi underscores that the transition is not only underway it is becoming iconic.

In the evolving narrative of India’s clean mobility revolution, the electric double-decker may well become a symbol of how tradition and technology can travel the same road quietly, efficiently and without emissions.