Chennai has expanded its electric public transport fleet with the launch of 130 new air-conditioned electric buses under Phase 2 of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s (MTC) electric bus programme, The Economic Times reported.
The buses were flagged off at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat on Monday in the presence of state transport officials and representatives of OHM Global Mobility, the mobility arm of Ashok Leyland and part of the Hinduja Group.
The 130 buses form the first batch of a 500-bus Phase 2 deployment that OHM will supply and operate for MTC. The buses are manufactured by Switch, Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle subsidiary.
The latest deployment builds on OHM’s experience during the first phase of Chennai’s electric bus programme. According to the company, its electric buses have already covered more than 3 crore green kilometres, while depots operated during Phase 1 achieved more than 99% schedule adherence.
Brijesh Gubbi Suresh, CEO of OHM Global Mobility, said the arrival of the first 130 Phase 2 buses marks an important step in Chennai’s shift towards sustainable public transportation.
The air-conditioned electric buses are expected to expand the city’s zero-emission public transport network while offering passengers quieter and more comfortable journeys.
As the remaining buses are deployed, OHM said it will use its capabilities in electric mobility, fleet management, maintenance and Mobility-as-a-Service solutions to support the expansion of electric public transport in Chennai.
The Phase 2 programme is expected to further strengthen Chennai’s adoption of electric buses and reduce the environmental impact of urban public transportation.
