Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has planned to introduce double-decker AMTS buses on the Sabarmati Riverfront West road. However, a serious issue emerged during the trial of this plan on February 18, when a double-decker bus became stuck under Gandhi Bridge along the River Drive.

According to reports, the bus could barely move out despite repeated attempts by the driver. Due to the vehicle’s height, there was only a little more than one foot of clearance between the top of the bus and the lower portion of the bridge, posing a significant risk of an accident. Notably, there are four such bridges along the River Drive, creating a major challenge for operating buses of this height.

The administration is now considering diverting the bus from the riverfront near the bridge, routing it via Ashram Road, and then bringing it back onto the riverfront stretch. However, drivers believe operating the bus on this route may be impractical, as it could lead to delays and traffic congestion.

AMTS Committee Chairman Dharmshi Desai clarified that the buses are currently under trial. A final decision on permanent operations will be taken only after assessing safety conditions, particularly clearance under the bridges. The air-conditioned double-decker buses were introduced to promote tourism enthusiasm among citizens, but the present situation has raised concerns regarding route feasibility and safety. DeshGujarat

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