Double-decker buses not safe for long distances, say experts

MANGALURU: Union transport ministry’s plans to operate inter-city double-decker buses has come as a surprise for experts in transport engineering. According to them, double-decker buses are not safe for long distances as chances will be high of them overturning if they exceed a certain speed.  
The ministry had on Monday announced 70 potential routes across the country for this bus operation that includes Bengaluru to Mangaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Chennai and Hyderabad. Experts believe that it is a far-fetched idea as nowhere in the world such buses are operated for long distances except for double-decker trains in some western countries.  

Prof. George Varghese of NIT-K and an expert in transportation engineering, said it is fine if the double-decker buses come with a height of existing sleeper buses, which is 4.2 metres. Anything above that should undergo rigorous trials before hitting the road. “Double-decker buses are normally 4.52 metres in height. But even a difference of 30 centimeters can create problems when the bus moves fast,” he said.  
Another expert who did not want to be named said he does not think inter-city operation of double-decker buses is possible. “Double-decker buses are more suitable for a distance of 40-50 kilometres with a speed not exceeding 40 km per hour. Even for short distances, they are not preferred now as many have come to halt in different places across the country. At present, there are only one or two in cities like Thiruvananthapuram which are being run like showpieces.”

He said the central gravity will be definitely higher for tall buses and the sway will affect the safety. “Speed and turning creates problem. Even at a horizontal curve, the bus can overturn. The problem will aggravate when it plies in ghat sections between Bengaluru and Mangaluru.” He said normally bus drivers tend to zoom at 80-100 km per hour on highways and at that speed double decker buses will not at all be safe.