CHENNAI: To upgrade public transport services, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday flagged off the services of 20 multi-axle air-conditioned luxury buses at the Island Grounds in Chennai.

The buses have been procured at a cost of Rs 34.30 crore for the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) and will be operated by the Tamil Nadu Transport Department on major inter-state and long-distance routes, connecting Chennai with Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Madurai, Salem, Tirunelveli, Thanjavur, Nagercoil, Tiruchendur, Tiruppur and other key cities.

Each blue-coloured multi-axle bus is 15 metres long and has been procured at a cost of approximately Rs 1.75 crore. The buses have 51 semi-sleeper seats with knee-height recline for enhanced comfort.

Large panoramic windows, mobile charging points, modern safety systems, water bottle holders, separate space for luggage, surveillance cameras and advanced sensors have been incorporated into the design to improve passenger convenience and security.

In addition, special fire-safety measures have been installed, with internal water sprinkler pipelines that automatically activate in the event of a fire, ensuring enhanced protection for passengers.

The buses are equipped with emergency exits with ample space, and dedicated protective mechanisms to reduce the risk of accidents.

To mark the golden jubilee (1976-2025) of the nationalisation of bus transport in Tamil Nadu, CM Stalin also inaugurated the distribution of wall clocks to 1,05,778 transport employees at a cost of Rs 3.33 crore.

Ministers MP Saminathan, SS Sivashankar and P Sekarbabu, Greater Chennai Corporation Mayor R Priya, Lok Sabha member A Raja, and senior officials were present.