Tamil Nadu will add 500 electric buses by April

Tamil Nadu is working to increase its electric bus fleet to help reduce carbon emissions. K. Phanindra Reddy, the Additional Chief Secretary for Transportation, shared the state's plan to roll out 500 electric buses in Chennai starting in April 2025. This initiative makes Tamil Nadu the fifth Indian state to adopt electric buses in its public transport system. The state plans to eventually introduce a total of 1,300 electric buses by the end of 2025. The procurement process for these buses follows a model called the gross cost contract (GCC), where the government pays based on the kilometers driven, rather than a large upfront cost. This method allows the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) to minimize financial risk and focus on performance. Reddy explained that this approach is part of a World Bank program. It aims to boost electric bus usage while managing the operational risks associated with new technology. Two different procurement models are being tested, to see which one works best in terms of costs and maintenance. The state is also addressing charging infrastructure for the buses. Some existing depots will be adapted to support electric vehicles. As the electric bus fleet grows, older internal combustion engine buses will be phased out. On standardization, Reddy noted that while it would be helpful to unify battery technology across different manufacturers, achieving this in the competitive market may take time. The state anticipates continuing to increase its electric bus count, estimating an addition of 500 to 750 buses annually after 2025, eventually expanding to intercity routes.