Chennai, Aug 26:
Chennai’s public transport network received a major boost on Monday with the launch of 130 new low-floor air-conditioned electric buses, as part of a larger plan to introduce 750 AC electric buses across the city.
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation has released route and service details for the first batch of buses, which were inaugurated by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.
The new buses are part of a Rs 1,337-crore initiative to expand clean and comfortable public transport in Chennai.
MTC is already operating 625 low-floor electric buses through five depots. Under the next phase, 750 additional AC electric buses are proposed to be operated from seven depots.
The newly launched buses will operate on key city routes. Among them are five buses each on Route 2C between Kaviyarasu Kannadasan Nagar and its designated city circuit, Route 7H between Island Grounds and J.J. Nagar East, and Route PP21 connecting Island Grounds and Kilambakkam.
The deployment of the electric buses is expected to improve connectivity on major commuter corridors while reducing dependence on fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
The low-floor design is intended to make boarding easier for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other passengers. The air-conditioned services are also expected to improve commuter comfort, particularly during Chennai’s hot and humid weather.
The remaining buses under the 750-bus programme are expected to be introduced in phases through the identified MTC depots as part of the city’s broader transition towards cleaner urban transport.