Double-decker EV bus to take tourists to sites of historical, cultural significance in Chennai

A double-decker EV bus, donated by the Tamil diaspora successful the United States and Ashok Leyland to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, was flagged disconnected by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin successful Chennai connected Monday (January 12, 2026). It would springiness tourists a presumption of the large sites of value connected Anna Salai and Kamarajar Salai successful the city. The Chief Minister inaugurated the autobus astatine Chennai Trade Centre, wherever helium took portion successful the World Tamil Diaspora Day 2026 celebrations.

The bus, costing ₹1.89 crore, was donated to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation nether the Tamil Nadu authorities by the Tamil diaspora successful the United States and Ashok Leyland done Hinduja Foundation successful Mumbai, an authoritative merchandise said. The autobus would connection rides to sites of historical, cultural, and social significance successful the city.

In the archetypal phase, it would operate from the TTDC headquarters, passing done LIC, Spencer Plaza, Makka Masjid, P.Orr & Sons, Pallavan Salai, ‘Bodyguard’ Muneeswarar Temple, Raja Annamalai Mandram, Madras High Court, Secretariat, Reserve Bank of India, Chennai Port Trust, War Memorial, Napier Bridge, memorials of erstwhile Chief Ministers C.N. Annadurai, M. Karunanidhi, M.G. Ramachandran, and Jayalalithaa, Marina Beach, Light House, Foreshore Estate, Santhome Church, All India Radio, Police Headquarters, Queen Mary’s College, Vivekanandar House, Presidency College, Ezhilagam Complex, University of Madras, Doordarshan Kendra, Rajaji Mandapam, and Omandurar Government Hospital.

Ministers R. Rajendran, S.M. Nasar, and T.R.B. Rajaa; Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam; and elder officials were besides present.