Chennai Launches New E-Bus Depots and 120 Electric Buses

12 Aug 2025 CW Team

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday inaugurated the upgraded Perumbakkam electric bus depot, completed at a cost of Rs 495.6 million, and launched a new e-bus depot at Vysarpadi. He also flagged off 120 non-AC electric buses on 30 June.

The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) charges a minimum fare of Rs 11 and a maximum of Rs 49 on deluxe buses, while AC buses charge between Rs 15 and Rs 80. A monthly pass for unlimited travel on AC services is available for Rs 2,000.

Under the Chennai City Partnership – Sustainable Urban Services Programme (CCP-SUSP), MTC will deploy 625 low-floor electric buses, including 225 AC vehicles, through a performance-based Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. The contract has been awarded to OHM Global Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility.

The AC buses feature a low floor height of 40 cm, which can be lowered to 25 cm by the driver to assist persons with disabilities, women, children, and senior citizens. Of the newly launched fleet, 55 AC e-buses will operate across six routes, while 80 non-AC e-buses will cover 11 routes.

Infrastructure Urban

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