Chennai: In a major push to modernise public transport and enhance passenger comfort, the Tamil Nadu government is rolling out a large-scale expansion of its state-run bus services. As part of this plan, 4,300 new buses will be added to the fleet in three phases.

In the first phase, more than 1,500 new buses have already been deployed across various routes. These buses are now operating under the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), which runs over 1,080 services daily, transporting more than one lakh passengers across the state. “We will continue to introduce new buses regularly to meet increasing passenger demand,” a senior TNSTC official said.

As part of the modernisation effort, 10 new air-conditioned buses will be introduced within the next 10 days. These AC buses will be deployed on key routes in Chennai and other major cities, aiming to offer a more comfortable and premium travel experience to commuters.

In addition to AC buses, the TNSTC is set to launch 110 luxury sleeper and seater coaches. These high-end buses will be introduced in time for the Pongal festival in January, one of Tamil Nadu’s busiest travel seasons.

The tender process for procuring these buses is almost complete, and preparations are underway for their rollout.

Better travel for long-distance passengers

The luxury coaches will come with modern interiors, advanced safety features, and improved passenger facilities. Aimed at long-distance and overnight routes, these buses will provide a viable and comfortable alternative to private travel options. Officials believe the upgraded fleet will be especially beneficial for people travelling between cities or on overnight journeys.

According to sources from the transport department, this expansion will not only replace outdated vehicles but also increase overall capacity, helping to ease congestion on busy routes. The government expects the new buses to improve the quality of travel while also encouraging more people to use public transport instead of private vehicles.

The introduction of air-conditioned and sleeper buses is seen as a major step forward in improving public transport in Tamil Nadu. With a phased rollout of modern buses, the state aims to offer a safer, more reliable, and more comfortable travel experience.

With IANS inputs