Here’s what you need to know about the launch of 135 new electric buses—including 55 AC e‑buses—in Chennai, starting August 11, 2025:
🚍 Deployment Overview
- Chennai’s MTC is adding 135 electric buses from the newly upgraded Perumbakkam depot, of which 55 are air‑conditioned .
- This delivery follows the earlier launch in June 2025 of 120 non‑AC e‑buses from the Vyasarpadi depot, which served northern and western Chennai routes.
📍 Key Routes & IT Corridor Focus
- These buses will operate across 13 routes, primarily covering the OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road) IT corridor to cater to commuters traveling between tech hubs and residential zones .
- Major routes include:
- Siruseri ↔ Airport (MAA 2)
- CMBT ↔ Kilambakkam (570)
- Broadway ↔ Kelambakkam (102)
- T. Nagar ↔ Thiruporur (19)
- Thiruvanmiyur ↔ Kilambakkam (95X)
- Kilambakkam ↔ Sholinganallur (555S)
🚌 Bus Features & Fare Structure
- Each 12-meter e‑bus comes equipped with:
- 39 seats, 4 CCTV cameras
- Wheelchair ramps, reserved seats for elderly and disabled
- Stop‑request buttons, kneeling feature (floor lowers to ~250 mm)
- GPS-linked LED stop alerts
- Fare policies:
- AC e‑buses follow regular AC fares
- Non‑AC e‑buses are priced like deluxe services
⚙️ Depot Upgrade & Operational Model
- The Perumbakkam depot, upgraded at a cost of ₹49.56 crore, can charge 32 buses simultaneously.
- Each bus has an estimated range of 200 km on a two-hour full charge—similar to infrastructure at Vyasarpadi depot .
- Operated under a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) with OHM Global Mobility (Ashok Leyland subsidiary):
- OHM provides drivers/maintenance, and MTC pays a fixed rate per km.
- This model addresses technology and staff shortages efficiently .
🎯 Strategic Expansion Plan: Phases 1 & 2
- Phase 1 coverage (by Feb 2026): total of 625 electric buses across five depots:
- Vyasarpadi: 120 non‑AC
- Perumbakkam: 135 (55 AC)
- Central: 145 (100 AC)
- Tondiarpet-I: 100 (25 AC)
- Poonamallee: 125 (45 AC)
- MTC will later launch Phase 2, adding 800 more e‑buses across the city in later stages.
✅ Why It Matters for Commuters
- First AC electric buses in MTC fleet offer enhanced comfort, especially along hot and busy corridors.
- Improved accessibility, safety, and eco-friendly travel reduce carbon emissions significantly.
- Better last‑mile connectivity to metro stations, suburbs, and IT hubs.
🧾 Quick Facts Summary
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | August 11, 2025 |
| Depot | Perumbakkam (upgraded, ₹49.56 crore) |
| Fleet Size | 135 buses (55 AC, 80 non‑AC) |
| Operating Routes | 13 routes, mainly OMR corridor |
| Features | 39 seats, CCTV, ramps, kneeling, GPS alerts |
| Fare Model | AC = regular AC fares; non‑AC = deluxe fares |
| Operator | OHM Global Mobility under GCC |
| Phase Plan | 625 buses in Phase 1; 800 more in Phase 2 |
