The BEST has planned to begin electric AC double-decker services by Makar Sankranti, on January 14. In the first phase, 50 AC double-decker buses will be operated while the existing non-AC double-deckers will be phased out by June 2023.  Currently, 45 of these vehicles are in service.

The bus launch has been delayed as approvals from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) are awaited. “Once they come in,  the buses will be launched. The plan is to have 50 of them in public service,” BEST General Manager Lokesh Chandra said.