Chennai Launches 625 Electric Buses For Greener Urban Transport
Chennai is set to launch 625 low-floor electric buses under its metropolitan transport upgrade. Operated across 50 key routes, the initiative will improve air quality and last-mile connectivity. As part of a World Bank-supported programme, the move positions Chennai as a frontrunner in India’s clean public mobility transformation.
The electric fleet will operate from five upgraded depots—Vyasarpadi, Central, Perumbakkam, Poonamallee, and Tondiarpet-I—serving both central and suburban areas. The rollout includes 400 non-air-conditioned and 225 air-conditioned buses, ensuring wider accessibility. Officials said the buses will enhance service reliability and help meet increasing travel demands. Major investments have been made in depot infrastructure to support charging, maintenance, and scheduling for the electric vehicles.
Operations will be handled by a private mobility firm under a performance-based contract, with per-kilometre payments set at ₹77.16 for non-AC and ₹80.86 for AC buses. This model is expected to ensure efficiency and accountability while reducing emissions. The initiative is also expected to reduce Chennai’s urban transport carbon footprint while encouraging a shift from private vehicles to affordable, cleaner public options.
With the addition of 625 e-buses, MTC’s daily services will increase from 3,233 to 3,858, expanding capacity without increasing pollution. New routes originating from the Vyasarpadi depot include corridors connecting Perambur, MKB Nagar, Guindy, Broadway, Redhills, and Kilambakkam. These routes are designed to improve connectivity across residential, commercial, and industrial zones, offering commuters a more reliable and comfortable travel experience.
The electric buses are part of Phase I of the Chennai City Partnership Programme – Sustainable Urban Services Programme (C-SUSP), with support from the World Bank. Stakeholders expect the project to be a long-term blueprint for other Indian cities. With reduced noise, lower emissions, and improved commuter comfort, Chennai’s transport system is on track to becoming a clean, inclusive and tech-forward model for urban mobility.
The introduction of 625 electric buses marks a bold shift in Chennai’s public transport landscape, combining sustainability with urban planning. As the city’s daily ridership grows, this clean mobility solution offers a smarter, healthier way to travel. With strong infrastructure support and strategic route design, the rollout brings Chennai closer to a greener, more commuter-friendly future on wheels.
