Khyati Sharma 2026-08-27
Chennai: Tamil Nadu has taken another step towards modernising its public transport network with the launch of 250 new government buses, including 130 low-floor, air-conditioned electric buses for Chennai. The new buses were flagged off at the state Secretariat on August 25, with the remaining conventional buses set to be deployed across state transport corporations.
The latest addition is part of a broader effort to expand public transportation capacity while gradually increasing the use of electric buses in urban areas. The 130 electric buses are part of a larger programme to introduce 750 low-floor AC electric buses in Chennai at an estimated investment of ₹1,337 crore.
The newly introduced electric buses will be operated by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC). Of the 130 buses, 50 have been allocated to the Central depot, while the remaining 80 buses will operate from the Alandur depot.
The buses will serve several important routes connecting areas such as Chennai Airport, Kilambakkam, Siruseri IT Park, Adyar, Guindy, Chengalpattu, Mamallapuram and other major locations.
The addition also takes MTC's low-floor AC electric bus fleet to 755 buses, including the previously deployed electric buses. The existing fleet had been introduced as part of the state's efforts to reduce pollution and improve the quality of urban public transport.
Alongside the electric buses, 120 conventional buses were also launched. These vehicles are being introduced across eight state transport corporations and form part of a larger plan to procure 1,614 conventional buses at an estimated cost of ₹756 crore.
The newly launched 120 buses were procured for around ₹55.6 crore. Additional buses under the larger procurement programme are expected to be inducted as manufacturers complete deliveries.
The expansion of electric buses reflects Tamil Nadu's growing focus on cleaner mobility, particularly in Chennai. Electric buses can help reduce tailpipe emissions in densely populated urban areas while also offering passengers air-conditioned, low-floor public transport.
The state is also looking at further expansion of electric bus services. MTC has been working on additional tenders for electric buses, including larger 12-metre buses and smaller vehicles for feeder services.
The latest launch therefore represents more than just an increase in fleet size. It marks another stage in Tamil Nadu's transition towards a more modern and increasingly electrified public transport system.
The 130 buses launched in Chennai are only the first batch under the larger 750-electric-bus programme. Deliveries of additional vehicles are expected to continue, with the transport department aiming to accelerate deployment.
With both electric and conventional buses being added to the fleet, Tamil Nadu is seeking to address growing passenger demand while improving connectivity, comfort and environmental performance. The continued expansion of electric buses could also strengthen Chennai's position as one of the major cities in India adopting electric public transportation at scale.
