Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) in Chennai has invited tenders to procure 1,000 air-conditioned low-floor luxury electric buses to strengthen public transport across Tamil Nadu. The tender notice specifies procurement under a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, under which private operators will supply and maintain buses while the corporation manages operations. The authority indicated that the initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise urban mobility and to support sustainable transport objectives.

Previously the corporation procured 625 low-floor electric buses, including air-conditioned variants, to modernise the city's bus services. Those buses were introduced for public use in five phases between June 2025 and March 2026 and were deployed to improve passenger comfort and reduce emissions. Officials said the earlier acquisition provided operational experience that will inform the new procurement.

Companies interested in participating can download application documents from the MTC website and must submit bids between March 25 and April 7 until four pm. The tender opening is scheduled for April 7 at four thirty pm, following which eligible companies will be evaluated and the contract awarded. Officials indicated that procurement and subsequent deployment will be expedited to ensure the buses enter service at the earliest opportunity.

Authorities said the second phase of procurement for 1,000 buses will enhance passenger comfort, reduce pollution and strengthen sustainable public transport in Chennai. The corporation will retain operational oversight while the contracted operators will handle vehicle supply, maintenance and daily operations under the GCC arrangement. Stakeholders will monitor performance and service levels as the fleet expands to meet rising demand.

Officials noted that lessons from the initial 625-bus deployment will inform specifications, charging infrastructure planning and operator selection to improve reliability and uptime. The corporation expects that careful performance monitoring and contractual safeguards under the GCC will protect public interest and deliver a more comfortable and efficient bus network for commuters across the metropolitan area.