Of these, four LNG buses will cover Chennai, while two will operate in Ramanathapuram. According to an official release, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) will run two buses on route 553W (Saidapet-Sriperumbudur), and the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) Villupuram will operate two on the Kancheepuram-Poonamallee mofussil route.
This rollout marks the pilot phase of the initiative, which will soon extend to other parts of the state. The plan is to ensure that all seven transport corporations across the state have at least two LNG or CNG buses each. These buses are expected to reduce fuel costs per bus by 7% to 20% and emit less carbon.
Speaking to reporters, minister Sivasankar said the state govt has procured 1,000 of the 2,000 new buses funded last year, with efforts underway to launch the remaining buses soon. Tenders were floated to procure another 5,700 new buses. "By the end of this year, we will ensure that around 7,700 new government buses will be operational, replacing old buses," he stated. This fleet upgrade includes 100 new electric buses for Chennai. Addressing concerns about passenger safety in older buses, the minister said the Centre permits buses up to 15 years old to operate. He said all buses should undergo thorough checks of their engines, brakes, and other components before deployment.
At the bus launch event, Sivasankar also distributed appointment orders to 49 employees recruited by the MTC on compassionate grounds. These new hires mark the fifth round of appointments aimed at reducing the problem of a shortage of drivers.
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