CHENNAI: Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday flagged off the upgraded Poonamallee electric bus depot of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation, developed at a cost of Rs 43.53 crore, and inaugurated the operation of 125 new low-floor electric buses procured at an outlay of Rs 214.50 crore as part of the third phase of the electric bus rollout in Chennai.
The newly launched fleet includes 45 low-floor air-conditioned electric buses and 80 non-air-conditioned low-floor electric buses. Officials said the addition would strengthen electric bus services on major city routes and enhance commuter comfort.
Transport and Electricity Minister S.S. Sivasankar, Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Minister S.M. Nasar, Poonamallee MLA A. Krishnasamy, Transport Department Principal Secretary Shunchonngam Jatak Chiru, Managing Director of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation T. Prabhu Shankar, Tiruvallur District Collector M. Prathap and Joint Managing Director Ram. Sundarapandian attended the event, along with senior officials and representatives of transport unions.
The launch is part of Chennai’s phased expansion of electric bus infrastructure. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had inaugurated the electric bus depot at Vyasarpadi and flagged off 120 non-air-conditioned electric buses on June 30. On August 11, the Deputy Chief Minister launched the upgraded Perumbakkam electric bus depot, developed at a cost of Rs 49.56 crore, and introduced 135 low-floor electric buses, including 55 air-conditioned and 80 deluxe buses, at a cost of Rs 233 crore.
According to the Metropolitan Transport Corporation, the minimum fare on deluxe electric buses is Rs 11, with a maximum fare of Rs 49, while air-conditioned electric buses charge a minimum of Rs 15 and a maximum of Rs 80.
Under the Chennai City Partnership – Sustainable Urban Services Programme, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation plans to introduce a total of 625 low-floor electric buses, including 225 air-conditioned buses, through a performance-based Gross Cost Contract model. The contract has been awarded to OHM Global Mobility Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility. Of the total fleet, 380 buses, including 100 air-conditioned electric buses, have already been operationalised.