Thane Launches First Electric Double-Decker Bus on Maharashtra Day; Eknath Shinde Flags Off Green Mobility Push and Census Initiative
On Maharashtra Day, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde inaugurated Thane’s first electric double-decker bus and launched the district’s self-enumeration census drive. The initiative marks a major boost to eco-friendly public transport with GCC-based operations, PM e-bus approval, and upcoming fleet expansion in Thane city.
Following the inauguration, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde also undertook a journey on the newly launched electric double-decker bus. He traveled from the municipal corporation building to Louiswadi and subsequently returned to the municipal corporation building. The occasion was attended by Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar.
The electric double-decker buses are being inducted into the Thane transport fleet under the GCC (gross cost contract) model, ensuring that the transport service does not face any financial burden. The newly introduced bus has a seating capacity of 65 passengers, along with space for 33 standing passengers. Currently, the bus will operate on the route connecting Teen Hath Naka to Gaymukh. Being fully electric, the service is expected to offer an environmentally friendly commuting option for Thane residents. Additionally, nine more such buses are expected to be added to the transport fleet soon.
Earlier, while presenting the Thane Municipal Corporation budget, Commissioner Saurav Rao announced the inclusion of 10 double-decker buses under the Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) service. Furthermore, the Thane municipal transport system has received approval under the PM e-Bus scheme for 100 air-conditioned electric buses, strengthening the city’s future public transport infrastructure.
After the transport launch event, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde initiated the “self-enumeration” process for the Thane district census. The self-enumeration phase has been scheduled from 1 May to 15 May, followed by a door-to-door census operation from 16 May to 14 June. Shinde, who serves as the guardian minister of Thane district, is also the local MLA, with Thane being his home constituency.
With Thane’s population now exceeding 27 lakh, the twin initiatives of sustainable transport expansion and structured population enumeration highlight a significant administrative and developmental push in one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing urban centres.

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