The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) on Friday officially launched ‘Chennai Ula’, a dedicated hop-on hop-off tourist bus service aimed at promoting the city’s rich heritage and cultural tourism. The service, which commenced operations, offers residents and visitors an affordable and convenient way to explore Chennai’s iconic landmarks.The initiative was inaugurated on January 14 by S. S. Sivasankar, Minister for Transport, Government of Tamil Nadu, as part of efforts to strengthen urban tourism and improve access to heritage destinations. Under the Chennai Ula programme, five specially designated tourist buses have been deployed, operating on a circular route that allows passengers to get on and off at multiple locations throughout the day using a single ticket.
The Chennai Ula route has been designed as a 30-kilometre heritage tourism circuit, covering 16 prominent historical, cultural and recreational locations across the city. Key attractions on the route include Marina Beach, the Government Museum at Egmore, the Chennai Lighthouse, the Kannagi Statue, and areas around the Chennai Central Railway Station, among other major landmarks that reflect the city’s history and cultural diversity.
The service has been priced affordably, with a day-long ticket costing ₹50, allowing unlimited travel across all five Chennai Ula buses. Tickets are available at Chennai Central Railway Station, Egmore Railway Station, Marina Beach, directly from onboard conductors, and through the Chennai One mobile application for digital bookings.
MTC officials said the Chennai Ula service is intended to make heritage travel accessible to a wider section of the public, including families, students and tourists. Passengers can board and alight at multiple stops throughout the day using the same ticket, making it a cost-effective and flexible sightseeing option while boosting tourism within the city.