Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday flagged off 125 new electric buses from the upgraded Poonamallee depot, giving a major boost to Chennai’s push for sustainable and modern public transport.
The new fleet comprises 45 air-conditioned and 80 non-air-conditioned low-floor buses, procured at a total cost of ₹214.5 crore. In addition, ₹43.53 crore has been invested in developing maintenance and charging facilities at the depot. The buses will operate on 10 key routes, strengthening connectivity between Poonamallee and important destinations including Anna Square, Broadway, T. Nagar, Red Hills, Thiruvanmiyur, Thiruvallur, Sunguvarchathiram and Thirumazhisai.
Officials said this rollout is part of the third phase of the MTC’s electric bus initiative under the Chennai Sustainable Urban Services Programme, supported by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. With this addition, 380 of the planned 625 electric buses are now on the roads. All buses are disabled-friendly with ultra-low floors to ensure easier access.
The project is being implemented under a gross cost contract model, where MTC collects fares while private operators are paid per kilometre. Due to a shortage of conductors, services will initially be handled by temporary staff.
The initiative follows earlier deployments of 120 electric buses at Vyasarpadi and 135 buses from Perumbakkam depot.
With a growing electric fleet, Chennai is positioning itself as a leading city in clean, efficient and eco-friendly urban transport.