Chennai: Second phase of electric bus programme to begin from Alandur soon

CHENNAI: Transport minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban on Sunday inspected the upgraded Alandur electric bus depot, from where the second phase of the state’s electric bus programme is set to be launched soon. The Rs 30.43 crore depot has been upgraded to accommodate and operate the new fleet of low-floor air-conditioned electric buses.

During the inspection, the minister reviewed the infrastructure facilities and charging systems being readied for the launch.

Under Phase 2, 750 new electric buses are planned to be operated through seven MTC depots at Alandur, Central Workshop-2, Perambur, Padiyanallur, Avadi, KK Nagar and Iyyappanthangal. The programme is being implemented under the Chennai City Partnership-Sustainable Urban Services Programme (CCP-SUSP), with support from the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), with the objective of reducing pollution from public transport.

MTC has already introduced 625 low-floor electric buses under the first phase at a cost of Rs 697 crore. The buses are currently being operated from five depots at Vyasarpadi, Perumbakkam, Poovirundhavalli, Central Workshop and Tondiarpet-1. 

The minister also inspected various sections of the Alandur depot and reviewed the functioning of the charging infrastructure ahead of the induction of the new buses. MTC managing director T Mohan, joint managing director Rama Sundarapandian, general managers and other senior officials accompanied the minister.