Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay reviews transport department, free bus travel, electric buses

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting of the Transport Department at the State Secretariat in Chennai. The meeting focused on the department's operational efficiency, long-term plans, and key welfare measures, including the free bus travel scheme for women, the induction of electric buses, and employee welfare.

Officials presented data showing that the eight State-run transport corporations—comprising the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai), the State Express Transport Corporation, and six regional entities—operate a total of 21,527 buses. These buses serve nearly 2.05 crore (20.5 million) passengers daily, with around 64% (roughly 1.31 crore women) availing themselves of the fare-free travel benefit. The Chief Minister reviewed the implementation of this scheme and its impact on women’s mobility and socio-economic participation.

The meeting included an in-depth discussion on the department's one-year, three-year, and five-year action plans. The near-term plan emphasises improving service reliability and financial health of the corporations, while the medium-term plan focuses on fleet modernisation with electric vehicles and digital payment systems. The long-term vision aims to establish an integrated, multimodal public transport network. The Chief Minister stressed the need for time-bound execution and accountability.

To promote sustainable transport, the Chief Minister issued instructions for the procurement of air-conditioned electric buses. These buses are expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions and operating expenses, aligning with Tamil Nadu’s Electric Vehicle Policy. Additionally, he directed the introduction of a smart card-based cashless ticketing system, which will replace cash transactions and allow passengers to use a single card across different transport modes, enhancing ease of travel.

The Chief Minister also pushed for the early implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in urban areas. With dedicated lanes for buses, BRTS aims to reduce travel time and improve punctuality, decongesting major city roads. Pilot projects are likely to be launched in Chennai and other high-density cities soon.

The welfare of transport workers was another significant agenda point. The meeting addressed issues related to salary revisions, medical benefits, and workplace safety. The Chief Minister directed officials to expedite the resolution of pending labour matters, emphasising that a contented workforce is essential for the smooth functioning of public transport.

The meeting was attended by Transport Minister A. Vijay Tamilan Parthiban, Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) M.A. Siddique, Transport Secretary M. Vallalar, and the managing directors of the transport corporations.

Later in the day, Chief Minister Vijay paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, at his residence in Chennai. This was the first such meeting since the Chief Minister assumed office, symbolising the cordial relationship between the judiciary and the executive, an official statement noted.

The Transport Department is expected to submit a detailed implementation roadmap for the Chief Minister’s directives in the coming weeks.