The Government of Tamil Nadu has approved the procurement of 220 air-conditioned electric mini buses to improve last-mile connectivity for commuters using the Chennai Metro Rail network. The initiative is aimed at making public transport more convenient by enabling passengers to travel easily from metro stations to nearby residential and commercial areas.
The AC electric mini buses will function as feeder services, linking metro stations with neighbourhoods that are not directly served by rail transport. By bridging this gap, the project is expected to make daily commuting smoother for thousands of passengers who depend on the metro system for travel across the city.
In the first phase, several metro stations have been identified for the feeder bus services. These include Thirumangalam Metro Station, Vadapalani Metro Station, Koyambedu Metro Station, Guindy Metro Station, Alandur Metro Station, Meenambakkam Metro Station, OTA Nanganallur Metro Station, St. Thomas Mount Metro Station, Vannarapettai Metro Station, Wimco Nagar Metro Station, and Chennai Airport Metro Station.
Officials say the introduction of electric feeder buses will help reduce traffic congestion, encourage the use of eco-friendly transport, and make metro travel more accessible for people living in surrounding neighbourhoods. The buses are also expected to strengthen the city’s integrated public transport system by providing seamless connectivity between different modes of travel.
The project forms part of the state government’s broader effort to promote sustainable urban mobility in Chennai, while improving last-mile connectivity and encouraging more residents to shift to public transport.