Chennai: Weeks after announcing the launch of electric buses, the Metropolitan
Transport Corporation (MTC) on Monday conducted a trial run of an electric bus, supplied by heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland. However, state transport minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar termed the vehicle to be unfit for the city, due to the absence of certain features.

The state government intended to cut down the pollution levels and save the fuel intake through the move. Even though the minister told the reporters that the vehicle performed well, sources from the MTC said that he was not convinced with its features.

“The vehicle with inbuilt CCTV cameras and air conditioner facility has inconvenient flooring and stairs,” said an informed source from the MTC.

The trial run was conducted for a four-kilometre distance from the war memorial to Gandhi statue on Beach Road. The introduction of electric buses is aimed at modernising the services provided by transport department and to enhance the services provided to people of Chennai, transport minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar said, adding that the government would take up initiatives to introduce electric buses on a permanent base.

Ashok Leyland and another private manufacturing company have been given two months to come up with a better vehicle, that is commuter friendly, said the official.

Last year, the Hinduja Group flagship Ashok Leyland unveiled the electric bus ‘CIRCUIT’ designed and engineered in India with a zero emission vehicle suitable for Indian road and load conditions.