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Chennai Launches Its First Electric Bus Fleet

Serving passengers on 11 designated routes, the electric fleet sets the stage for 505 more buses in Phase I.

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Photo: IANS
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Overview

  • 120 low-floor electric buses flagged off at the newly upgraded Vyasarpadi depot have begun regular service on 11 city routes.
  • Each bus offers 39 seats, CCTV cameras, mobile charging points, emergency alarms, LED displays and a 200 km range on a single charge.
  • The ₹47.50 crore Vyasarpadi depot upgrade includes charging and maintenance infrastructure tailored for the new e-bus fleet.
  • Phase I of the World Bank– and AIIB–backed Chennai Sustainable Urban Services Programme envisages 625 buses under a gross cost contract with OHM Global Mobility.
  • Officials say the e-buses will eliminate about 755 g of CO₂ per kilometre compared with diesel models, and procurement of the remaining 505 vehicles is underway.