Expanding Chennai’s sustainable public transport network, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has launched dedicated bus services connecting Chennai airport to Akkarai along East Coast Road and to the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam.
The move, flagged off on Friday, is poised to significantly enhance last-mile connectivity for air travellers while aligning with the city’s goal of promoting eco-friendly urban mobility. According to officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the newly introduced services are designed to supplement the existing Chennai Metro Rail operations, offering commuters an affordable and accessible alternative to private taxis and app-based cab services. In a city grappling with rising vehicular congestion and carbon emissions, the emphasis on strengthening public transport options directly from the airport terminal is a decisive step towards more sustainable urban transit.
The MTC’s two new routes—labelled MAA1 and MAA2—will operate from the international terminal’s arrival hall area. The MAA1 service will run round-the-clock between the airport and KCBT, covering key points such as Pallavaram, Chromepet, Tambaram, and Vandalur Zoo before reaching Kilambakkam. Buses on this route will depart every 15 minutes, offering a swift 60-minute journey to the major terminus which connects suburban and southern districts. The MAA2 service, meanwhile, is targeted at commuters heading towards the coastal stretch, including IT hubs. Buses from the airport to Akkarai will pass through Pallavaram, 200 Feet Radial Road, Thoraipakkam, and Sholinganallur, taking approximately 90 minutes for a single trip. These buses will operate between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., with departures every 30 minutes, creating a seamless link for travellers bound for Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) and East Coast Road (ECR).
Officials noted that the buses being deployed are non-air-conditioned low-floor vehicles to facilitate easy boarding, particularly for travellers carrying baggage. “The immediate priority was to launch services with low-floor buses for accessibility. Electric buses are expected to be introduced in two months as part of the ongoing green transition,” an MTC official said, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to sustainable urban transport solutions. In line with Chennai’s broader urban mobility goals, the focus on integrating electric buses is seen as crucial. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering per capita emissions, these initiatives also support the state’s ambitious carbon neutrality targets. Once the electric buses are added to the fleet, these routes could represent a model for other cities aiming to modernise airport transit infrastructure.
Officials from MTC highlighted that a detailed demand assessment had preceded the selection of routes. They stressed that flexibility had been built into the operations, with the potential to add new routes based on commuter feedback and evolving passenger needs. However, one operational challenge remains: parking space constraints at the airport restrict the number of buses that can be stationed at any given time. Efforts are ongoing to optimise logistics and improve frequency further. Passengers arriving at Chennai airport have already expressed cautious optimism. One air traveller observed that the availability of affordable, reliable bus services would be a relief for those unwilling or unable to pay high cab fares. However, there were also calls for better wayfinding measures inside the terminal. Several commuters pointed out that clear signage indicating the location of the MTC boarding points and routes would greatly improve the ease of navigation for first-time users.
Transport planners have long identified the lack of affordable last-mile connectivity as a barrier to encouraging public transport usage among air travellers. With this new initiative, Chennai not only bridges that gap but also strengthens the multi-modal transport ecosystem. The airport is already connected to major parts of the city through the Metro Rail network, which links the terminal to hubs like Ashok Nagar, Anna Nagar, Chennai Central, Egmore, Saidapet, Teynampet, Shenoy Nagar, and Alandur, among others, across two corridors. The addition of bus services ensures that a more diverse demographic of travellers, including those headed to suburban, IT corridor, and coastal zones, now have reliable, low-cost commuting options. This focus on inclusivity reinforces a broader vision for Chennai’s future—a cityscape where sustainable, equitable, and accessible mobility solutions are at the forefront of urban development.
In a related development, additional bus routes such as 66M, 18S, and 60 were also launched on the same day, extending public transport connectivity to even more parts of the metropolis. Transport department officials affirmed that such moves are part of an evolving strategy to reduce dependency on private vehicles and enhance the operational efficiency of public transport. As Chennai continues its journey towards building a climate-resilient, commuter-friendly city, the expansion of sustainable transport links from critical nodes such as the airport stands out as a defining development. While operational challenges like signage and fleet capacity need further attention, the launch of airport-specific bus services represents a strong commitment to meeting the mobility needs of a growing urban population without compromising on environmental stewardship.
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Chennais New Airport Bus Links Boost Connectivity
