+
MK Stalin Flags Off 120 E Buses in Chennai
ECONOMY & POLICY

MK Stalin Flags Off 120 E Buses in Chennai

Chief Minister MK Stalin has launched 120 low floor, non air conditioned electric buses from Vyasarpadi depot, marking the Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s (MTC) first electric fleet. Each bus can travel 200 km on a two hour charge and carries safety features such as thirteen panic buttons, four CCTV cameras, a public announcement system and one mobile charging point for every two seats.

An accompanying Rs 475 million charging station was also inaugurated. The buses, procured for Rs 2 billion under the World Bank  and AIIB supported Chennai Sustainable Urban Services Programme (C SUSP), feature a 400 mm floor height that can be lowered to 250 mm for disabled access. Improved ventilation includes higher window glazing and sliding panes at the rear high floor section.

The rollout is the first phase of a plan to induct 650 electric buses, with a total of 1,225 to be deployed city wide. The initial 120 have been assigned to eleven deluxe routes, supplementing rather than replacing existing services. Operated under a Gross Cost Contract, the fleet is built, run and maintained for twelve years by OHM Global Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland and SWITCH Mobility. MTC will pay Rs 77.16 per km and will staff conductors, while ticketing is handled via electronic machines.

Services will run on routes including Kannadasan Nagar circulars (2B, C33, C64), Broadway–Kilambakkam (18A), Poonamallee–Vallalar Nagar (37), MKB Nagar–MGR Koyambedu (46G), Vallalar Nagar–Redhills (57) and others, extending accessible, low emission travel to commuters across the city. 

Chief Minister MK Stalin has launched 120 low floor, non air conditioned electric buses from Vyasarpadi depot, marking the Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s (MTC) first electric fleet. Each bus can travel 200 km on a two hour charge and carries safety features such as thirteen panic buttons, four CCTV cameras, a public announcement system and one mobile charging point for every two seats.An accompanying Rs 475 million charging station was also inaugurated. The buses, procured for Rs 2 billion under the World Bank  and AIIB supported Chennai Sustainable Urban Services Programme (C SUSP), feature a 400 mm floor height that can be lowered to 250 mm for disabled access. Improved ventilation includes higher window glazing and sliding panes at the rear high floor section.The rollout is the first phase of a plan to induct 650 electric buses, with a total of 1,225 to be deployed city wide. The initial 120 have been assigned to eleven deluxe routes, supplementing rather than replacing existing services. Operated under a Gross Cost Contract, the fleet is built, run and maintained for twelve years by OHM Global Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland and SWITCH Mobility. MTC will pay Rs 77.16 per km and will staff conductors, while ticketing is handled via electronic machines.Services will run on routes including Kannadasan Nagar circulars (2B, C33, C64), Broadway–Kilambakkam (18A), Poonamallee–Vallalar Nagar (37), MKB Nagar–MGR Koyambedu (46G), Vallalar Nagar–Redhills (57) and others, extending accessible, low emission travel to commuters across the city. 

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Continental Expands Assistive ‘OnBoard’ Tech to 100+ BMTC Buses

Continental India, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Raised Lines Foundation, and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), has expanded its smart assistive mobility solution ‘OnBoard’ across more than 100 BMTC buses in Bengaluru. Initially piloted on 25 buses, the solution is now set to be installed in 500 buses by year-end.The expansion was officially announced at the BMTC Central Office during a press conference attended by Shri Ramalinga Reddy, Hon’ble Transport Minister of Karnataka.‘OnBoard’ is a bus-mounted assistive technology designed t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Himadri PAT Rises 48% in Q1 Amid Global Battery Push

Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd reported its highest-ever quarterly EBITDA of Rs 234 crore and PAT of Rs 183 crore for Q1 FY26, with profitability up 48% YoY. Revenue stood at Rs 1,100 crore.CMD Anurag Choudhary attributed the gains to operational efficiencies, improved yields, and focus on high-value battery materials. Himadri also revived Birla Tyres with a new brand identity and plans a multi-platform marketing campaign.The firm signed a licensing deal with Australia’s Sicona for SiCx® anode tech, enabling localisation and commercialisation in India. Himadri also invested USD 4.43 millio..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Covestro Develops Fire-Safe Foam for EV Battery Safety

Covestro has introduced Baysafe® BEF, a new flame-retardant polyurethane foam designed to enhance battery safety in EVs and energy storage systems. The foam minimises thermal propagation between cells, reducing fire risk.The launch aligns with China’s GB 38031-2025 battery regulation, effective from July 2026, which sets stringent safety standards. "This innovation represents a significant step toward enabling sustainable mobility through enhanced safety," said Akhil Singhania, Global Head of PU Specialties at Covestro.The foam's lightweight structure and fire resistance meet the needs of g..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?