Chennai to introduce 100 e-buses, operated by private firms

These low-floor air-conditioned buses, featuring a seating capacity for 70 people in a 2+1 pattern (35 seats), will operate from the Adyar and Central (Pallavan Salai) depots, covering 27 different routes, including 29C (Thiruvanmiyur-Perambur), 570 (Kelambakkam-Koyambedu), and 40A (Anna Square-Pattabiram). The routes connect key transit hubs such as Tambaram, Broadway, Thiruporur, and Chennai Central railway station.

Each bus, estimated at a cost of around 12 million, will be equipped with batteries offering an 8-hour capacity, rechargeable in just 30 minutes during day breaks. Charging stations will be established at the two depots by the selected private firm, facilitating 4-hour overnight charging. The government will front the money to the winning contractor, utilising a loan from the German Bank (KfW).

MTC will retain the entire ticketing revenue, compensating the contractor with a fixed amount based on working hours. Notably, the 100 e-buses will be operated by trained drivers supplied by the private firm, marking a departure from previous practices where MTC crew were responsible. This move towards 'semi-privatisation' has, in the past, raised concerns from transport workers' unions, prompting the formation of a committee by the state transport department to assess the feasibility under the gross cost contract model.

Transport Minister S S Sivasankar addressed these concerns, explaining that MTC's expertise lies in diesel engine buses, and they lack the necessary training facilities for electric mobility. He emphasised the collaborative approach with private suppliers and highlighted the agreement reached with unions. The pilot project in Chennai is anticipated to expand to other cities across the state, including Madurai, Trichy, and Coimbatore in the near future.