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 in the United States and Ashok Leyland to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, was flagged off by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Chennai on Monday (January 12, 2026). It would give tourists a view of the major sites of significance on Anna Salai and Kamarajar Salai in the city. The Chief Minister inaugurated the bus at Chennai Trade Centre, where he took part in the World Tamil Diaspora Day 2026 celebrations.

The bus, costing ₹1.89 crore, was donated to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation under the Tamil Nadu government by the Tamil diaspora in the United States and Ashok Leyland through Hinduja Foundation in Mumbai, an official release said. The bus would offer rides to sites of historical, cultural, and social significance in the city.

The double-decker EV bus inaugurated by Mr. Stalin
| Photo Credit:
R. Ragu

In the first phase, it would operate from the TTDC headquarters, passing through 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 former 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 senior officials were also present.