Chennai MTC tenders 1,000 AC electric buses under gross cost contract
By Eve
Metropolitan Transport Corporation Chennai has issued a global tender for 1,000 air-conditioned 12-metre electric buses under a Gross Cost Contract model, including charging and depot infrastructure. MTC currently runs 4,130 buses carrying 3.36 million passengers daily and projects fleet needs of 5,406 buses by 2027 and 7,214 by 2030 under its Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2023 to 2048. Officials cite minimal cost difference between AC and non-AC electric operation at Rs 80.86 per km versus Rs 77.17 per km.
Why it matters: The GCC structure bundles vehicle supply, operations, maintenance and charging infrastructure in a single contract, offering a turnkey entry point for operators and OEMs targeting Indian metro fleets. Chennai's near-term pipeline of over 1,200 additional buses by 2027 signals sustained procurement activity beyond this tender.