Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Vijay inaugurated a new fleet of buses on Tuesday to improve public transport and expand free travel for women.

The initiative combines a push for environmental sustainability with social welfare. By integrating electric vehicles into the state's transit network and expanding the Vetri Payanam scheme, the administration aims to reduce urban emissions while increasing mobility for women.

The inauguration took place at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat and Metropolitan Transport Corporation facilities in Chennai. Reports on the size of the new fleet vary by source. Some reports state that 250 new buses were launched [2], while others specify 120 new green electric or CNG buses [1].

Within the larger fleet of 250 vehicles, some sources indicate that 130 are electric models [2]. These vehicles are intended to modernize the state's transit infrastructure, reducing reliance on traditional diesel engines.

Alongside the vehicle launch, the Chief Minister announced an expansion of the Vetri Payanam scheme. This program provides free bus travel for women, a move designed to facilitate easier access to employment, and education across the state.

The transition to electric and CNG power is part of a broader strategy to boost public-transport sustainability [1]. The addition of these vehicles to the Metropolitan Transport Corporation is expected to alleviate congestion in the capital city.

Chief Minister Vijay said the expansion of the free travel scheme and the introduction of green energy vehicles are key to the state's development goals.

“Chief Minister C. Vijay inaugurated a new fleet of buses on Tuesday to improve public transport and expand free travel for women.”

The simultaneous rollout of green infrastructure and expanded social subsidies suggests a dual-track governance strategy. By leveraging the Vetri Payanam scheme, the administration is strengthening its social contract with female voters, while the shift toward electric and CNG buses aligns Tamil Nadu with national and global trends toward decarbonizing urban transport.