Just a day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin flagged off 120 electric buses in Chennai with much fanfare, at least three of the newly launched vehicles reportedly broke down in different parts of the city, prompting criticism from commuters and opposition parties alike.
The electric buses, which were flagged off on 30 June 2025 from the Vyasarpadi MTC depot as part of the Chennai Sustainable Urban Services Program (C-SUSP), mark the first induction of e-buses by the state-run Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC). The initiative, backed by World Bank and AIIB funding, aims to improve urban mobility and reduce pollution in Chennai.
#TamilNadu CM #MKStalin inaugurated #Vyasarpadi bus depot and flagged off 120 new electric buses.
Express photos | @Jawahar_TNIE pic.twitter.com/pm0IbefSB3
— TNIE Tamil Nadu (@xpresstn) June 30, 2025
However, on the next morning (1 July 2025), several of these buses reportedly stalled during service, causing inconvenience to passengers and raising questions about the reliability of the fleet. Eyewitnesses reported breakdowns in multiple locations, with the buses being towed away shortly after being put into operation.
Videos circulating on social media showed the electric buses halted on busy routes, while disgruntled passengers voiced concerns about the effectiveness of the project. Some users accused the government of prioritizing publicity over performance, alleging that repeated technical failures had marred what was intended as a milestone in sustainable transport.
In the launch event, CM Stalin had personally inspected the buses and inaugurated a dedicated electric charging station built at a cost of ₹47.5 crore. The fleet itself was procured at a cost of ₹207.9 crore and included features like panic buttons, surveillance cameras, mobile charging ports, and low-floor access for disabled commuters.
According to officials, the buses were to be operated under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model by OHM Global Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland and SWITCH Mobility. The MTC will pay ₹77.16 per kilometre to the operator over a 12-year period, while conductors hired by the MTC will issue tickets using electronic ticketing machines.
The buses had been deployed on 11 routes including Broadway-Kilambakkam, Poonamallee-Vallalar Nagar, and Vallalar Nagar-Redhills. Officials have not yet issued a formal statement on the breakdowns.
Public reaction has been swift, with many questioning the government’s preparedness and quality checks.
(With inputs from The New Indian Express)
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