Tamil Nadu rolls out 300 new buses to modernize public transport

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched 300 new government buses on Thursday. The fleet aims to improve urban and suburban transport across the state. The event marked a significant boost to Tamil Nadu’s public transport system. The new buses were flagged off during a ceremony attended by officials and commuters. Vijay then boarded one of the vehicles and travelled with passengers, engaging with them directly. He sought feedback and listened to suggestions for service improvements.

The fleet consists of 164 diesel buses and 136 CNG buses, all meeting BS-VI emission standards. These vehicles will operate city and mofussil services, departing from major hubs like Koyambakkam and Kilambakkam. The total cost for the new buses is estimated at Rs 127.21 crore.

Tamil Nadu’s transport network already serves around 2.05 crore passengers daily across 26 regions and 317 depots. Nearly 64% of these commuters benefit from free travel concessions, including women, students, and persons with disabilities. Videos and images of Vijay’s bus ride quickly spread on social media, with many praising his interaction with staff and passengers. The new buses are set to strengthen transport links and provide a safer, more comfortable experience. They will also ensure smoother operations for millions of daily commuters. The addition reflects ongoing efforts to modernise Tamil Nadu’s public transport system.