CHENNAI: The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has signed a MoU with Think Gas for the development of captive compressed natural gas (CNG) filling facilities at its depots as part of efforts to expand its green public transport fleet in Chennai.

The filling stations will be established at the upcoming Varadharajapuram depot near Tambaram to support MTC’s transition towards cleaner fuels.

At present, Chennai has 85 CNG buses. Transport officials said the shift from diesel to CNG has helped the corporation save around Rs 3-4/km amid rising diesel prices.

To facilitate the induction of 120 additional CNG buses, MTC has entered into an agreement with the private company to create the required infrastructure. Officials said infrastructure work at the Varadharajapuram depot is expected to be completed within the next five months, following which the new buses are likely to be introduced in phases.

They added that the move would help reduce operational and maintenance costs while also promoting environmentally sustainable public transport in the city.