Chennai, Aug 25 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will inaugurate the second phase of Chennai’s electric bus programme on Tuesday, marking another major step towards expanding clean and sustainable public transport in the city.
Under the second phase, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) plans to introduce 750 new low-floor, air-conditioned electric buses from seven depots across Chennai. The buses will be operated from Alandur, Central Depot-II, Perambur, Padianallur, Avadi, K.K. Nagar and Iyyappanthangal.
As part of the initial rollout, 130 air-conditioned electric buses will begin operations from the Alandur depot. The Chief Minister will formally launch the services from the Tamil Nadu Secretariat on Tuesday.
He will also flag off five electric buses from the Secretariat premises to mark the occasion.
The expanded fleet is expected to strengthen Chennai’s public transport network while improving passenger comfort and accessibility.
The low-floor design will make it easier for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and passengers with limited mobility to board and alight from the buses.
The initiative forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to reduce vehicular emissions and address the growing problem of air pollution in the Chennai metropolitan region.
Electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions and are expected to reduce the city’s dependence on diesel-powered public transport vehicles.
In the first phase of the programme, the MTC began operating 625 low-floor electric buses from five depots — Vyasarpadi, Perumbakkam, Poonamallee, Central Depot and Tondiarpet-I.
The first phase was implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 697 crore. Once all 750 buses planned under the second phase become operational, Chennai’s electric bus fleet under the two phases will increase to 1,375 vehicles.
The addition is expected to improve service frequency on heavily travelled routes and provide commuters with a quieter and more comfortable travel experience. Infrastructure, including charging facilities and maintenance arrangements, is being established at the seven depots selected for the second phase.
The buses will be introduced in batches as the required facilities become ready. The government expects the electric fleet expansion to significantly lower fuel consumption and operational emissions while helping Chennai move to a cleaner and more environmentally responsible urban transport system.
–IANS
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