In a significant corporate social responsibility initiative, Ashok Leyland Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja has handed over a SWITCH electric double-decker bus to the Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, reinforcing efforts to promote sustainable urban mobility and environment-friendly public transport in the national capital.
With this development, residents and tourists in Delhi will be able to explore the city’s cultural and historical landmarks aboard a fully electric, air-conditioned double-decker bus for the first time. The initiative is aimed at enhancing urban sightseeing by offering a clean, comfortable, and modern travel experience while reducing environmental impact.
The bus deployed for this initiative is the SWITCH EiV 22, India’s first electric AC double-decker bus, designed, developed, and manufactured domestically. It is equipped with a 231 kWh NMC battery pack, enabling a driving range of up to 250 km on a single charge. The bus can accommodate 65 passengers and features a lightweight aluminium body for improved efficiency and passenger comfort. It also incorporates a wider rear door and staircase, positioning it among the most advanced electric double-decker buses globally with a standard-floor, air-conditioned configuration.
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland said, “The double decker bus has always held a special place in India’s public transport story – it is an icon of belonging, of shared journeys, and of city life. Through this CSR initiative, we are proud to breathe new life into that legacy, right in the heart of our national capital. The ‘Dekho Meri Dilli’ experience is our way of giving back to the communities we serve – offering people a beautiful, emission-free way to rediscover Delhi’s magnificent heritage. At SWITCH Mobility, backed by Ashok Leyland’s strong mobility foundation, we are committed to advancing green mobility not just as a business proposition, but as a responsibility to society and the environment.”
Commenting on the initiative, Ganesh Mani, CEO – Switch Mobility and COO – Ashok Leyland, said, “The Hinduja Group has always believed that progress must be purposeful – that growth and giving back must go hand in hand. We are not just offering a ride; we are offering a renewed connection to our history, our culture, and our shared pride as Indians – all while treading lightly on our planet. We are proud to see the Switch EiV 22 carry not just passengers, but the spirit of a greener, more purposeful India — one landmark, one journey at a time. Switch Mobility’s electric-first vision, backed by the scale and strength of Ashok Leyland, makes moments like these possible — where innovation is not just future-ready, but people-ready.”
The Switch EiV 22 double-decker tourist bus represents an important step towards redefining sustainable urban and tourism transport solutions. Designed to meet evolving urban mobility and tourism needs, the hop-on hop-off electric bus combines zero-emission performance with enhanced passenger comfort and modern design.
Switch Mobility has already deployed over 100 electric double-decker buses across several Indian cities, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Lucknow, Noida, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Agra. The company continues to expand its electric mobility footprint, supporting the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable public transportation in India.