OHM Global Mobility, the e-mobility arm of Ashok Leyland, has launched 130 air-conditioned electric buses in Chennai under Phase 2 of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s (MTC) electric bus programme.
The deployment marks the first batch of 500 electric buses that OHM will supply and operate for MTC during the second phase. The buses are manufactured by Switch, Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle subsidiary.
500 Electric Buses to Strengthen Chennai’s Public Transport
OHM will progressively deploy the remaining buses across Chennai while providing fleet operations and maintenance services. This integrated approach combines vehicle deployment with charging, fleet management and long-term maintenance.
The Phase 2 programme is expected to:
- Expand Chennai’s electric public transport capacity
- Increase the availability of air-conditioned electric buses
- Strengthen charging infrastructure and fleet operations
- Improve long-term maintenance and operational efficiency
Building on Phase 1 Success
The latest deployment builds on OHM’s existing operations in Chennai. According to the company, its electric buses have already covered more than 3 crore kilometres, while its Phase 1 depots have achieved over 99% schedule adherence.
These operational results highlight the importance of managing electric buses beyond simply putting vehicles on the road.
Integrated E-Mobility Model Takes Centre Stage
OHM Global Mobility currently operates electric buses and trucks, charging infrastructure and fleet services across cities including Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Patna, Chandigarh and Mumbai.
HEV’s Take
The key takeaway is not just the 130-bus deployment, but OHM’s integrated approach. As Indian cities transition to larger electric fleets, operators capable of managing vehicles, charging, maintenance and daily operations could play an increasingly important role in scaling sustainable public transport.
