Chennai, 30 June (H.S.) : The first batch of electric buses in Chennai was recently flagged off by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. A total of 120 new low-floor electric buses have been introduced, marking a significant shift towards greener public transportation in the city. These buses are being operated by OHM Global Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, under a gross cost contract model.
The initial rollout of 40 non-air-conditioned buses will serve routes in and around Vyasarpadi. Some of the specific routes include: 46G: MKB Nagar to Koyambedu; ; 2A: Anna Square to Kannadasan Nagar and 37G: Kannadasan Nagar to Iyyappanthangal. The Vyasarpadi depot has been revamped to support electric bus operations, with allocated space for charging stations and maintenance yards. The second batch, comprising 135 buses from Perumbakkam depot, will include 55 air-conditioned buses.
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) plans to operate a total of 625 electric buses on over 50 routes in Chennai and nearby regions. Other depots, including Poonamallee, Central, and Tondiarpet, have also undergone infrastructure upgrades to support electric bus operations. This move is expected to revolutionize public transportation in Chennai, providing a more environmentally friendly and efficient service for commuters.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
