Chennai's Green Leap: CM Vijay Boosts Public Transport with 130 New Electric AC Buses

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay today flagged off a substantial fleet of 250 new buses, including 130 state-of-the-art electric air-conditioned models, from the Secretariat in Chennai. This Rs 290.08 crore initiative injects a vital dose of sustainability into the state's urban mobility, marking a significant step towards greener public transport. The move directly responds to Chennai growing need for modern, eco-friendly commuting options and aligns with broader national environmental goals. This latest rollout forms part of the second phase of Tamil Nadu ambitious electric bus program, building on the 625 electric buses already in operation from the first phase. The state government, driven by the Tamil Nadu Electric Vehicle Policy 2023, aims to electrify 30% of its public bus fleet by 2030, reducing vehicular pollution and improving urban air quality. With Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, supplying the new electric AC buses, this push underscores a commitment to fostering local manufacturing while tackling climate challenges. Looking ahead, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has plans to introduce another 750 low-floor AC electric buses, with a significant budget allocated for depot upgrades and charging infrastructure. This expansion promises enhanced comfort and connectivity for millions of daily commuters in Chennai and across the state, setting a precedent for other Indian cities striving to achieve their own EV30@30 ambitions. The public will be watching closely as these cleaner, quieter buses begin to transform the daily commute.