MTC enlists Tata for second electric bus trial

Officials say a tender would be floated post a feasibility study and a proposal will be sent to the government for getting electric buses here.

MTC officials said they have already conducted a first trial run with an electric bus from Ashok Leyland and submitted reports to the company to modify the bus for city commute. “The transport department is also working to improve the transport network  in Chennai and across TN. We are in talks with Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami,” said the official. They are also in the process of identifying unfit buses and replacing them with electric buses. 

A senior MTC official said, “We have asked the Tata officials for a trial bus and we will submit the reports post the trial run. The final decision will be taken after consulting with various institutions like the ITDP and Chennai City Connect.” Asked, how many such electric buses would be procured, the official said although it was not confirmed, around 2,000 buses are to be tentatively procured. 

It may be noted that transport minister MR Vijayabhaskar had earlier said the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses with sleeper facility would be operated to reduce unnecessary expenditure in the transport department and to increase revenue across the state.