Chennai, Dec 24 (NationPress) In a significant move to enhance public transportation, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin inaugurated the operation of 20 Volvo air-conditioned luxury buses at the Island Grounds in Chennai on Wednesday. This initiative is anticipated to elevate passenger comfort, safety, and the overall travel experience for long-distance government bus services.

These buses have been acquired by the Tamil Nadu State Rapid Transport Corporation (TNSTRTC) as part of its modernisation programme for the financial year 2025–26.

As an extension of this initiative, the Government Rapid Transport Corporation has ordered a total of 130 new buses featuring advanced technology. Among these, 110 buses are non-air-conditioned and equipped with comfortable seating and sleeper facilities, specifically designed to bolster long-distance and overnight travel services.

The remaining 20 buses are fully air-conditioned, multi-axle luxury coaches produced by Volvo.

The construction of these Volvo buses was completed in Bengaluru, after which they were sent to the Government Express Transport Corporation workshop in Chennai for final inspections and readiness.

Once the necessary checks and preparations were finalized, the buses were officially launched by the Chief Minister.

The newly inaugurated Volvo AC bus services will run on key inter-city and long-distance routes, linking Chennai with Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Madurai, Salem, Tirunelveli, Thanjavur, Nagercoil, Tiruchendur, Tiruppur, and other major cities.

The services are aimed primarily at passengers in search of a premium, safe, and comfortable travel experience along busy corridors.

Each blue-hued Volvo multi-axle bus measures 15 metres in length and has been acquired at a cost of around Rs 1.75 crore. The buses offer a 2×2 seating arrangement with a total of 51 semi-sleeper seats designed for enhanced comfort with knee-height recline.

Additionally, the buses feature large panoramic windows, mobile charging outlets, modern safety systems, surveillance cameras, and advanced sensors to boost passenger convenience and security.

Special fire safety measures are also incorporated. The buses are equipped with internal water sprinkler systems that automatically engage in the event of a fire, ensuring heightened safety for all passengers.

Through the introduction of these Volvo AC luxury buses, the Tamil Nadu government aims to set a new benchmark for public transport and position state-run bus services as the preferred option for long-distance travel.