In a major step towards sustainable urban mobility, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) is set to roll out 135 new electric buses from the Perumbakkam depot on August 11, enhancing the city’s eco-friendly public transport network. This launch follows the deployment of 120 electric buses from the Vyasarpadi depot in early July.
The new fleet includes 55 air-conditioned (AC) electric buses, making this the first time AC electric buses will operate in Chennai. These buses will serve 13 routes, many of which run along the bustling IT corridor, including the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR).
Key Routes in the New Rollout:
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Siruseri to Chennai Airport (MAA 2)
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CMBT to Kilambakkam (570)
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Broadway to Kelambakkam (102)
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T Nagar to Thiruporur (19)
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Thiruvanmiyur to Kilambakkam (95X)
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Kilambakkam to Sholinganallur (555S)
A senior MTC official stated, “The fleet addresses the specific needs of IT corridor commuters, which the Vyasarpadi fleet could not cover.”
According to MTC Managing Director T. Prabhushankar, AC buses will run at regular fares, while non-AC e-buses will follow the deluxe fare structure. MTC has plans to introduce 170 more AC e-buses soon, as part of a ₹233.75 crore project.
Features of the New E-Buses:
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12-metre buses with 39 seats
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Four CCTV cameras for safety
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Wheelchair ramps and reserved seating
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Stop-request buttons and kneeling function (floor lowers to 250mm)
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LED-based stop alerts and GPS tracking
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Range of 200 km per charge (after 2 hours of charging)
The upgraded Perumbakkam depot, built at a cost of ₹49.56 crore, is equipped to charge 32 buses simultaneously, mirroring the infrastructure at the Vyasarpadi facility.
Under the operational model, OHM (Operator) will manage bus operations and driver appointments, while MTC will compensate based on kilometres covered. This model helps tackle technology risks and driver shortages, according to Nedunchezhiyan, General Manager, Operations, MTC.
OHM has also expressed plans to train and induct more women into the fleet, following Vyasarpadi’s lead, which currently has three women drivers and 17 women conductors.
Both Perumbakkam and Vyasarpadi depots are part of Phase 1 of MTC’s electrification strategy, which includes 625 e-buses across Chennai at an estimated ₹697 crore. Additional electric buses are expected to be launched at Central (145), Tondiarpet 1 (100), and Poonamallee (125) by February 2026. Phase 2 will introduce 800 more e-buses across the city.
With this expansion, Chennai takes another bold step toward a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive public transport system.