CHENNAI: Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday (August 25) flagged off 250 new buses, including 130 air-conditioned electric buses and 120 regular buses, in Chennai as part of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation's (MTC) efforts to strengthen public transport, according to a Maalaimalar report.
Of the 250 buses, the 130 AC electric buses are worth Rs 234.50 crore and will be operated from seven depots: Alandur, Perambur, Avadi, Central, Padiyanallur, KK Nagar and Ayyappanthangal. Following the flag-off at the Chennai Secretariat, Vijay boarded one of the new electric buses and inspected its facilities.
During the inspection, Vijay enquired with the driver and conductors about the facilities available on the new buses and their operations.
The latest addition is part of the MTC's larger plan to introduce low-floor AC electric buses in Chennai to reduce pollution and improve public transport facilities.
Under the first phase, 625 low-floor electric buses procured under a gross-cost contract were introduced. These buses are being operated from five depots: Vyasarpadi, Perumbakkam, Poonamallee, Central and Tondiarpet-1.
Following the first phase, the MTC planned a second phase involving 750 new low-floor AC electric buses. These buses are planned to be operated from seven depots: Alandur, Central Depot-2, Perambur, Padiyanallur, Avadi, KK Nagar and Ayyappanthangal.
As part of this plan, 130 electric buses have now been introduced.
Apart from the electric buses, Vijay also flagged off 120 new regular buses worth Rs 55.58 crore at the Secretariat. The buses are expected to further strengthen the MTC's fleet and improve connectivity across Chennai and its suburbs.
Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban, Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar and senior government officials participated in the event.