Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay will flag off 300 newly procured diesel and CNG buses for state transport corporations in Chennai on Thursday. The induction is aimed at strengthening public transport services, replacing ageing vehicles and improving connectivity across urban and rural regions…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is set to flag off 300 newly procured diesel and CNG buses for the state’s transport corporations at a ceremony in Chennai on Thursday, marking a significant expansion of the public transport fleet.
The new buses will be inducted into seven state-run transport corporations, excluding the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), which operates long-distance intercity services. Officials said the deployment will be carried out based on operational requirements and passenger demand across regions.
Tamil Nadu operates eight state-owned transport corporations, including the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), Chennai, and the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) divisions at Villupuram, Kumbakonam, Salem, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli, in addition to SETC.
The newly procured fleet comprises both diesel and CNG-powered buses. The government has positioned the induction as part of wider efforts to modernise the public transport system while expanding services in both urban and rural areas.
Transport department officials said the buses are intended to strengthen existing services, improve connectivity for daily commuters and enhance the overall reliability of state-run transport operations. The induction is also expected to replace ageing vehicles currently in service, thereby improving safety and passenger comfort.
The launch was initially expected to take place on June 22, coinciding with the Chief Minister’s birthday. Preparations had already been made, with the buses transported from various parts of Tamil Nadu to Chennai and parked at key locations, including the Koyambedu and Kilambakkam bus terminals. However, the inauguration was later rescheduled to Thursday’s event at the Secretariat in Chennai.
Officials said the distribution of the 300 buses among the seven transport corporations will be carried out in phases, depending on operational needs in different districts. Once flagged off, the vehicles are expected to be gradually deployed across routes to augment existing services and increase fleet availability.
The induction forms part of the state government’s ongoing programme to upgrade public transport infrastructure and improve commuter experience. Authorities said the expanded fleet is also expected to help transport corporations meet rising passenger demand and improve operational efficiency across the network.
The addition of diesel and CNG buses reflects a dual approach to fleet expansion, combining conventional fuel options with cleaner alternatives as part of broader efforts to modernise public transport services in the state.
