CM MK Stalin to Launch Chennai’s First Fleet of Electric Buses on Monday
Chennai is set to enter a new era of eco-friendly public transport as Chief Minister MK Stalin will flag off the Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s (MTC) electric bus services from the Vyasarpadi depot on Monday. This marks the official launch of Chennai’s electric bus network under Phase I of the Chennai City Partnership Programme – Sustainable Urban Services Programme (C-SUSP), supported by the World Bank.
Key Highlights:
- 625 electric buses to be deployed across 50 routes in Chennai and its suburbs.
- Fleet includes 400 non-AC and 225 AC buses.
- Operated under a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model by OHM Global Mobility Pvt Ltd (subsidiary of Ashok Leyland).
- MTC will pay Rs 77.16/km for non-AC and Rs 80.86/km for AC buses.
- Over Rs 100 crore invested to upgrade 5 major depots:
- Vyasarpadi: 120 non-AC buses on 13 routes
- Central Depot: 145 buses (100 AC) on 10 routes
- Perumbakkam: 135 buses (55 AC) on 11 routes
- Poonamallee: 125 buses (45 AC) on 8 routes
- Tondiarpet-I: 100 buses (25 AC) on 10 routes
These electric buses will operate on both existing and new routes, improving last-mile connectivity and helping reduce air pollution in the city by connecting metro stations, IT hubs, residential areas, and commercial zones.
This move marks a major step toward building a sustainable, modern public transport system for Chennai.
