NE AUTOMOBILE BUREAU
CHENNAI, MAR 2
In a landmark step that fuses sustainability with social inclusion, SWITCH Mobility today rolled out 145 next-generation electric buses in Chennai, with Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin delivering a clear message that the future of mobility must be both green and universally accessible.
மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு துணை முதலமைச்சர் திரு. உதயநிதி ஸ்டாலின் அவர்கள் இன்று (02.03.2026) ரூ.33.82 கோடி மதிப்பீட்டில் மேம்படுத்தப்பட்ட மாநகர் போக்குவரத்துக் கழகத்தின் தண்டையார்பேட்டை – 1 மின்சாரப் பேருந்து பணிமனையை திறந்து வைத்து, ரூ.170 கோடி மதிப்பிலான 100 புதிய மின்சாரப்… pic.twitter.com/FT4CUJWYrP
— MTC Chennai (@MtcChennai) March 2, 2026
Flagging off the SWITCH EiV12 low-floor electric buses at the Central Bus Depot in the presence of Transport Minister S. S. Sivasankar, the Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin underscored Tamil Nadu’s commitment to clean, inclusive public transport aligned with the national vision of “Disabled-Friendly means of transport” and “No Emission Buses.”
The rollout includes 100 air-conditioned and 45 non-AC buses, forming part of a centralised deployment aimed at strengthening Chennai’s electric public transport backbone while ensuring equitable access for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and vulnerable commuters.
Mobility without barriers: Accessibility meets advanced electric engineering
Manufactured at SWITCH Mobility’s advanced Tamil Nadu facility, the EiV12 low-floor buses represent the convergence of sustainability, accessibility, and technological sophistication under the company’s “Make in India for the World” vision.
The buses feature an ultra-low entry design with kneeling and tilting functionality, enabling effortless boarding for wheelchair users, elderly passengers, and those with mobility challenges. A large manual or automated wheelchair ramp ensures barrier-free access, transforming daily commuting into a dignified and inclusive experience.
Floor-mounted batteries provide a lower centre of gravity for enhanced stability, while panoramic glass panels create a spacious interior environment. Safety is reinforced with an integrated Fire Detection and Suppression System, while silent electric propulsion significantly reduces noise pollution in urban environments.
The buses are powered by SWITCH’s proprietary iON connected technology, which continuously monitors more than 140 vehicle parameters with over 80 real-time alerts, ensuring operational reliability and safety. Dual-gun fast charging enables rapid turnaround, supporting seamless integration into busy urban transport schedules.
SWITCH Mobility underscores commitment to sustainable urban transformation
Ganesh Mani, Chief Executive Officer of SWITCH Mobility, said, “The flag-off of 145 SWITCH EiV12 Low Floor Buses at Central Bus Depot is a significant milestone in strengthening Tamil Nadu’s electric public transport ecosystem. SWITCH Mobility is committed to collaborating with city transport authorities to deliver dependable, high-performance electric buses that can scale rapidly. Deployments like these demonstrate how electric mobility can be seamlessly integrated into urban operations while delivering tangible benefits in emissions reduction and passenger experience.”
His remarks reinforce SWITCH Mobility’s strategic role in accelerating India’s transition toward clean, technology-driven public transportation systems.
Accelerating Chennai’s clean transport revolution
With this rollout, the total deployment of SWITCH electric buses with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has reached 525 buses, marking significant progress toward Tamil Nadu’s ambitious clean mobility goals.
The electric fleet is expected to dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emissions, improve urban air quality, and offer quieter, safer, and more comfortable commuting experiences for millions of daily passengers.
More importantly, the introduction of universally accessible electric buses signals a paradigm shift—where public transport is not only environmentally responsible but socially equitable.
As Chennai accelerates toward a zero-emission future, the new fleet stands as a powerful symbol of inclusive progress—where sustainability, dignity and innovation move forward together.
