Chennai Electric Bus Phase 2 to Launch Soon from Alandur Depot

The second phase of Tamil Nadu’s electric bus programme is set to begin soon from the upgraded Alandur MTC electric bus depot in Chennai. Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban inspected the depot on Sunday and reviewed the infrastructure and charging facilities being prepared for the launch.

The ₹30.43-crore Alandur depot has been upgraded to accommodate and operate a new fleet of low-floor, air-conditioned electric buses.

Under Phase 2 of the electric bus programme, 750 new electric buses will be operated through seven Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) depots at Alandur, Central Workshop-2, Perambur, Padiyanallur, Avadi, KK Nagar and Iyyappanthangal.

The programme is being implemented under the Chennai City Partnership-Sustainable Urban Services Programme (CCP-SUSP) with financial support from the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The initiative aims to modernise public transport and reduce pollution from buses in Chennai.

625 Electric Buses Already Introduced

Under the first phase, the MTC has already introduced 625 low-floor electric buses at a cost of ₹697 crore. These buses are currently being operated from five depots at Vyasarpadi, Perumbakkam, Poovirundhavalli, Central Workshop and Tondiarpet-1.

During his visit, the Transport Minister inspected various sections of the Alandur depot and reviewed the charging infrastructure ahead of the induction of the new electric buses.

MTC Managing Director T Mohan, Joint Managing Director Rama Sundarapandian, general managers and other senior officials accompanied the minister during the inspection.

The expansion of the electric bus fleet is expected to strengthen Chennai public transport, improve passenger comfort and support the city`s efforts to reduce emissions and promote cleaner urban mobility.