Tourists visiting Chennai now have a stylish new way to explore the city's landmarks. A swanky, air-conditioned double-decker sightseeing bus has been launched, offering a comfortable and panoramic city tour on a dedicated circular route.
Route and Key Stops of the New Service
The bus service will operate on a circular route starting and ending at the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) office on Wallajah Road. The planned itinerary will take tourists through Broadway and along the scenic Kamarajar Salai.
According to a senior TTDC official, the bus will pick up tourists from the TTDC office and pass by several iconic sites. The route includes:
- The Munro Statue on Anna Salai
- The Madras High Court
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) building
- The Secretariat
- Napier Bridge
- Ezhilagam
After reaching Foreshore Estate, the bus will return to its starting point via the DGP office, completing the loop.
Inauguration and Future Expansion Plans
The new tourist bus was officially flagged off by Chief Minister M K Stalin at the Nandambakkam Trade Centre. The initiative has seen collaborative support, with funding coming from the Tamil diaspora in the USA and a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contribution from Ashok Leyland.
TTDC has secured the necessary permit for the bus and planned the initial route. However, officials have indicated that this is just the beginning. The service is expected to evolve based on direct feedback from tourists.
"More destinations will be added, and the service will be enhanced in the coming months," the TTDC official stated, highlighting the department's commitment to improving the tourist experience.
Enhancing the Heritage Tourism Experience
The launch has been welcomed by tourism professionals in the city. Tour guide Pon Dennis pointed out the potential for this service to boost heritage tourism, especially with the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) developing heritage corridors along Kamarajar Salai.
He suggested that having a trained guide on board to explain the historical significance of the structures along the route would greatly enhance the experience for visitors. This aligns with a broader push to actively popularize sightseeing and make Chennai's rich history more accessible.
This new double-decker service marks a significant upgrade in Chennai's urban tourism infrastructure, offering a convenient and comfortable option for both domestic and international visitors to discover the capital of Tamil Nadu.
