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Chennai: In a landmark move for sustainable urban transport, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin today inaugurated Chennai's new fleet of 135 electric buses, including 55 air-conditioned models, from the newly upgraded Perumbakkam workshop. This ₹49.59 crore facility marks a significant step in the city's transition to eco-friendly public transportation, coming just a month after the launch of 120 electric buses from Vyasarpadi depot.
Chennai AC Electric Buses to Revolutionize Commuting on Key Routes
The newly introduced air-conditioned electric buses, a first for Chennai in nearly a decade, will serve 13 crucial routes across the city with special emphasis on improving connectivity along the IT corridor. The routes include high-demand connections such as Siruseri to Chennai Airport, Broadway to Kelambakkam, and T. Nagar to Thiruporur. These 12-meter-long buses come equipped with 39 seats, wheelchair accessibility, and priority seating for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers.
MTC officials confirmed that the AC buses will follow regular fare structures, making comfortable travel more accessible to daily commuters. "This initiative specifically addresses the needs of IT professionals and other commuters who travel long distances daily," said a senior MTC official. The buses feature advanced amenities including four CCTV cameras per vehicle, real-time GPS tracking, and automated stop announcements through LED displays.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure and Future Expansion Plans
The newly inaugurated Perumbakkam workshop represents a ₹49.56 crore investment capable of charging 32 buses simultaneously. Each bus can cover 200 kilometers on a two-hour charge, matching the capabilities of the Vyasarpadi facility. The operational model involves private partner OHM handling bus operations and driver management while MTC pays per kilometer of service, a system designed to address technical challenges and driver shortages.
This launch forms part of the first phase of MTC's ambitious electrification plan, which envisions 625 electric buses across the city at a total cost of ₹697 crore. Additional depots at Central, Thandaiyarpet, and Poonamallee are scheduled to join the network by February 2026, with a second phase planning to introduce 800 more electric buses. Notably, the initiative includes focused efforts on workforce diversity, with the Vyasarpadi depot already employing three women drivers and 17 conductors, and plans to train more women staff at the Perumbakkam facility.
The introduction of these electric buses, particularly the AC models, represents a significant upgrade to Chennai's public transport system, aligning with Tamil Nadu's broader environmental goals while addressing the growing demand for comfortable, reliable urban mobility solutions. With their modern amenities and focus on key commuter routes, these buses are expected to set new standards for public transportation in the city.
