Chennai: Next year, commuters using Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses can expect enhanced clean and green mobility options as the transport corporation prepares to launch its expanded electric bus fleet. To accommodate these new vehicles, MTC is planning to complete the construction of seven additional electric depots across the city by the end of this year.
Current E-Bus Operations
Currently, 625 low-floor electric buses, including both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned models, operate on central routes in Chennai. These buses are stationed at five depots: Tondiarpet, Vyasarpadi, Perumbakkam, Poonamallee, and the Central depot near Pallavan Illam. To cater to the growing number of e-buses, MTC has identified seven depots to be redeveloped as e-depots.
New Depot Developments
MTC managing director Prabhushankar recently inspected the SETC bus depot near Pallavan Illam, where phase 2 of the Central depot will be established. "The existing structure has been demolished. SWITCH Mobility, a global electric vehicle company, will build the upcoming e-depot," said MTC officials. Other depots earmarked for redevelopment into e-depots include Alandur, Avadi, Iyyapanthangal, KK Nagar, Padianallur, and Perambur. These depots are at various stages of work, according to an MTC official.
The new e-buses will not replace the existing fleet but will serve as additional services to improve connectivity and increase bus frequency. "The existing diesel fleet of buses will be redeployed to other diesel depots," the official added.
Service Expansion
MTC's scheduled services have increased from 3,233 to 3,783 in the last financial year. Since April, an additional 75 services have been introduced due to the steady increase in the e-bus fleet.
Meanwhile, transport secretary M Vallalar inspected the Poonamallee e-depot facility and reviewed electric bus operations. While SWITCH Mobility has been the sole e-bus supplier so far, MTC sources indicated that new suppliers will also be brought in for the development of e-bus depots and the supply and management of the fleet.
