Wed Jun 25 04:38:35 UTC 2025: **Chennai Gets a Boost in Last-Mile Connectivity with New Mini-Bus Services**
**Chennai, India – June 25, 2025** – Residents of Chennai are experiencing improved local transportation as the state government expands its last-mile connectivity project. Private operators have begun running mini-bus services on 11 routes in the extended areas of the Chennai Corporation, aiming to fill gaps in public transport access.
This initiative follows a February announcement where the Chennai Collector called for applications from private operators for 72 identified routes across areas like Tiruvottiyur, Manali, and Sholinganallur. The state’s Transport and Road Safety department has granted permits for the initial 11 routes, including connections from Adambakkam Railway Station to Eechangadu and Sholinganallur to Thoraipakkam.
The project was made possible by a Government Order titled “New Comprehensive Scheme 2024 and Fare Revision of Mini Bus Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988,” which authorized the operation of small buses statewide. Prior to this, private operators had to independently apply for routes. Now, the Chennai Corporation conducts feasibility studies to identify underserved areas, streamlining the process.
Residents are already praising the new services. S. Praveenkumar of Keelkattalai notes the timely arrival of the Adambakkam railway station route, filling the void left by suspended MTC bus services due to metro rail construction. A.Sivakumar, a resident of Sholinganallur, emphasizes the positive impact on residents in the IT corridor of Rajiv Gandhi Salai.
In addition to the private operators, the MTC is planning its own mini-bus service from Velachery to Thoraipakkam, addressing the lack of public transport for Kallukuttai residents. The MTC also launched a mini-bus service for providing last mile link for Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) commuters. The state government plans to expand the mini-bus network in the coming months.
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