In a major step toward sustainable urban mobility, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin today inaugurated the first phase of Chennai’s electric bus initiative, unveiling 120 non-air‑conditioned, low-floor electric buses at the Vyasarpadi depot.
Funded by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank under the Chennai Sustainable Urban Services Programme (C‑SUSP), the ₹47.5 crore depot marks the start of a larger ₹200 crore project aimed at modernizing city transport and improving air quality.
Built to travel up to 200 km on a single charge and recharge in just two hours, each bus includes digital passenger displays, USB ports, CCTV, comfortable seating, and ramps for differently-abled passengers.
The initial fleet will serve 11 key routes in Chennai, with plans to expand to a total of 625 buses in phase one. Additional depots at Perumbakkam, Poonamallee, Central, and Tondiarpet have been equipped with charging infrastructure to support the rollout.
Under a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, private operator OHM Global Mobility handles the buses’ operation and maintenance, while the Metropolitan Transport Corporation pays a fixed per-kilometer fee—₹77.16 for non-AC and ₹80.86 for AC buses—offering cost predictability and efficiency.
Officials say the electric fleet will reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution, enhance commuter comfort, and strengthen Chennai’s public transport network—with plans to add 1,320 e‑buses by the end of 2025.
