Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has decided that all future government buses purchased by the state will be equipped with air-conditioning, marking a significant shift in the state's public transport policy.

Announcing the decision, Transport Minister Vijay Tamilan Parthiban said the Chief Minister wants commuters across Tamil Nadu to travel in air-conditioned buses.

He added that every new government bus inducted into the state's fleet from now onwards will come with AC facilities.

Better comfort, wider connectivity

The minister also said the government is focusing on strengthening bus connectivity across Tamil Nadu, including remote and underserved regions, so that people in every part of the state have access to reliable public transport.

The announcement comes shortly after Chief Minister Vijay led the 'Start Run, Stop Drugs' marathon along Chennai's Marina Beach to spread awareness against drug abuse.

During the event, he administered an anti-drug pledge, urging people to educate their families and communities about the dangers of narcotics.

He also signed a banner carrying the slogan 'Sports Edu, Drugs Vidu' (Take up sports, give up drugs).

Earlier this month, Vijay visited New Delhi for his first official trip as Chief Minister.

During the visit, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss issues affecting Tamil Nadu, including the Mekedatu dam project, the arrest of Tamil fishermen, and the Tamil invocation song controversy.

He also submitted a memorandum to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, seeking greater central funding for ports, national highways, railway infrastructure and industrial corridor projects aimed at accelerating the state's development.