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Key Points

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin launched Chennai's first fleet of 120 electric buses, marking a major step toward sustainable urban transport. The ₹207.90 crore initiative, supported by World Bank and AIIB, aims to cut pollution and improve air quality. Each bus can travel 200 km per charge and includes accessibility features like ramps and seat belts. The state plans to expand the fleet to 625 buses as part of Chennai's green mobility push.

Key Points: MK Stalin Launches Chennai's First 120 Electric Buses

  • 120 electric buses worth ₹207.90 crore rolled out in Chennai
  • Each bus reduces CO2 emissions by 755g/km
  • Features include wheelchair ramps & CCTV cameras
  • Part of ₹697 crore plan for 625 electric buses
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Chennai rolls out first fleet of 120 electric buses, MK Stalin flags off initiative

Tamil Nadu CM flags off 120 eco-friendly electric buses in Chennai, aiming to reduce pollution and improve public transport.

"Electric buses will drastically cut emissions, significantly improving the city’s air quality. – K. Phanindra Reddy, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport)"

Chennai, June 30

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday flagged off Chennai’s first fleet of low-floor electric buses from the Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s (MTC) Vyasarpadi depot, marking a significant step towards greener urban transport in the city.

A total of 120 electric buses, worth Rs 207.90 crore, have been introduced under the Chennai City Partnership Programme and Chennai Sustainable Urban Services Programme, with support from the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Inaugurating the upgraded electric bus depot at Vyasarpadi, developed at a cost of Rs 47.50 crore, MK Stalin said the initiative would help curb environmental pollution and improve air quality in Chennai.

Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) K. Phanindra Reddy said the MTC plans to roll out 625 new low-floor electric buses in the first phase, at an estimated cost of Rs 697 crore. “Each diesel bus emits around 755 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre. Electric buses will drastically cut emissions, significantly improving the city’s air quality,” he noted.

The 120 new buses flagged off on Monday will operate on 11 routes across Chennai. This includes 20 buses on the Broadway-Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus-Kilambakkam route (18A), 20 between Mahakavi Bharathiyar Nagar and KCBT-Kilambakkam (170TX), 10 on Vallalar Nagar-Poonamallee (37), 10 between Mahakavi Bharathiyar Nagar and Koyambedu (46G), and 10 on Perambur-Manali (164E). Other routes include services to Kaviarasu Kannadhasan Nagar and Thiru vi ka Nagar-Guindy-Thiru vi ka Industrial Estate.

The electric buses feature 39 seats with seat belts, wheelchair accessibility with ramps and secure anchorage points, CCTV cameras, mobile phone charging points, emergency alarms, and LED displays providing information on upcoming bus stops. When fully charged, each bus can travel up to 200 kilometres.

To support this rollout, infrastructure, including charging stations, has been developed at five depots: Vyasarpadi, Perumbakkam, Poonamallee, Central, and Tondiarpet 1. Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, and senior officials attended the launch event.

The new fleet forms part of the state government’s broader push to modernise Chennai’s public transport system, reduce the city’s carbon footprint, and provide safe, accessible, and eco-friendly mobility options for commuters.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative but 120 buses for entire Chennai is just a drop in the ocean. We need at least 10 times more to make real impact. Also hope the ticket prices remain affordable for common people.
A
Arjun K
The wheelchair accessibility and safety features are impressive! As someone who travels with elderly parents, this is a welcome change. Hope other cities follow Chennai's lead 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the green initiative, I'm concerned about the electricity source. Are these buses powered by renewable energy or coal plants? Otherwise we're just shifting pollution elsewhere.
V
Vikram M
Mobile charging points in buses? 😍 Now I can binge watch shows during my 2-hour commute from Tambaram! Jokes aside, this is proper urban development we need more of.
K
Kavya N
Hope they train the drivers properly. Last time new buses came, they drove like they were in Fast & Furious movie! Safety first please 🚌💨
M
Michael C
The 200km range is impressive. But with Chennai's notorious traffic, will that be enough for full day operations? They should have tested during peak hours before launch.

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