Tamil Nadu CM Vijay flags off 300 new diesel and CNG buses in Chennai
Synopsis
Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay commissioned 300 new diesel and CNG buses at the Chennai Secretariat on 25 June — an addition delayed from his birthday on 22 June. The fleet, split across seven state transport corporations, is one of the largest single-day inductions in recent memory and signals the state's push to replace ageing vehicles while gradually diversifying its fuel mix.
Key Takeaways
Joseph Vijay flagged off 300 new buses at the Chennai Secretariat on 25 June 2025 .
The fleet includes both diesel and CNG-powered buses, distributed across 7 of 8 state transport corporations.
The State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) was excluded from this induction round.
Buses were pre-positioned at Koyambedu and Kilambakkam terminals ahead of an earlier planned launch on 22 June that was rescheduled.
Deployment will follow a phased rollout across districts based on passenger demand and operational need.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Thursday, 25 June 2025, flagged off 300 newly procured diesel and CNG buses for the state's public transport corporations at a ceremony held at the Secretariat in Chennai. The induction marks one of the largest single-day fleet additions to Tamil Nadu's state-run bus network in recent years, aimed at improving connectivity for daily commuters across urban and rural districts.
Which Corporations Receive the New Fleet
Tamil Nadu operates eight state-owned transport corporations: the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) in Chennai; Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) divisions at Villupuram, Kumbakonam, Salem, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tirunelveli; and the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), which handles long-distance intercity routes. The 300 buses have been allocated among seven of these corporations, with the SETC excluded from this particular induction. Distribution will be based on operational requirements and passenger demand, according to transport department officials.
Delayed from Birthday Launch
The event had originally been scheduled for 22 June, coinciding with Chief Minister Vijay's birthday. In anticipation, the new buses were transported from various parts of Tamil Nadu to Chennai and stationed at key terminals, including Koyambedu and Kilambakkam. The inauguration was subsequently rescheduled, with Thursday's ceremony at the Secretariat serving as the formal commissioning event.
Mix of Diesel and CNG Vehicles
The fleet comprises both diesel and CNG-powered buses, reflecting the government's dual focus on expanding service coverage while gradually modernising its fuel mix. The induction is expected to replace ageing vehicles currently in service, improving reliability, passenger safety, and overall comfort. Officials said deployment will proceed in a phased manner across districts once the buses are formally commissioned.
Broader Push to Modernise Public Transport
This addition is part of the Tamil Nadu government's sustained effort to upgrade its public transport network. State transport corporations have faced mounting pressure from rising passenger demand and an ageing fleet, with older buses contributing to service delays and higher maintenance costs. Notably, the inclusion of CNG buses signals a tentative step toward cleaner fuels, even as the state has separately announced ambitions around electric bus procurement. The new fleet is expected to improve fleet availability and operational efficiency across the seven beneficiary corporations.
Point of View
The inclusion of CNG buses alongside diesel is a half-measure: Tamil Nadu has signalled EV ambitions for its transport fleet, yet this induction adds no electric vehicles. The real test of this government's modernisation intent will be whether subsequent procurements accelerate the electric transition or continue to default to fossil-fuel variants under the cover of 'operational readiness.'
NationPress
25 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many buses did Tamil Nadu CM Vijay flag off on 25 June 2025?
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay flagged off 300 newly procured buses — a mix of diesel and CNG variants — at the Chennai Secretariat on 25 June 2025. The fleet has been allocated across seven of Tamil Nadu's eight state-owned transport corporations.
Which Tamil Nadu transport corporations will receive the new buses?
The 300 buses will be distributed among seven corporations: MTC Chennai, and TNSTC divisions at Villupuram, Kumbakonam, Salem, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tirunelveli. The State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), which operates long-distance intercity routes, is excluded from this induction.
Why was the bus launch delayed from 22 June?
The inauguration was originally planned for 22 June, coinciding with CM Vijay's birthday, and buses had already been moved to Chennai terminals in preparation. The event was subsequently rescheduled, with the formal commissioning taking place on Thursday, 25 June, at the Secretariat.
Are the new Tamil Nadu buses electric or CNG?
The newly inducted fleet comprises both diesel and CNG-powered buses. No electric buses are part of this particular induction, though the government has cited modernisation and cleaner fuels as broader policy goals.
How will the 300 new buses be deployed across Tamil Nadu?
Transport department officials said deployment will be phased across districts, based on operational requirements and passenger demand specific to each of the seven receiving corporations. The buses are intended to replace ageing vehicles and improve service reliability.
