Coonoor MLA and Chief Government Whip, K. Ramachandran, inaugurated 16 new Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) buses in Udhagamandalam, part of the Nilgiris district, on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The event, held at the Ooty bus stand, marks a significant step towards enhancing public transportation in the region.
Speaking to the media, Ramachandran highlighted that each of the newly introduced buses was acquired at a cost of ₹40.61 lakh. He shared that currently 337 buses operate within the Ooty Zone of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC). The addition of these BS6 buses aligns with the government’s commitment to reduce vehicular emissions, aiming to significantly lower the environmental impact of older bus models.
The MLA also announced plans to introduce an additional 22 buses to the Ooty Zone, further strengthening the public transport network. Emphasizing the success of the Vidiyal Payanam scheme, which supports female passengers, he noted that this initiative has been implemented in 110 buses throughout the Nilgiris since its launch in 2022. The scheme has recorded an impressive 4.05 crore trips, benefiting female passengers with financial relief totaling ₹89.26 crore.
In addition to reducing emissions, Ramachandran discussed safety improvements with the new BS6 buses. Each vehicle is equipped with tracking devices and panic buttons, allowing passengers to send alerts directly to the police control room for prompt assistance. This safety feature aims to bolster passenger security while traveling.
The newly launched buses will serve key routes from Udhagamandalam, Coonoor, Kotagiri, and Mettupalayam to major cities including Tiruchi, Kozhikode, Mysuru, Salem, Palani, Madurai, and Theni. This extension of services is expected to enhance connectivity and convenience for passengers across the region.
District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru was present at the inauguration, signifying the collaboration between various government departments to improve transport facilities in the Nilgiris. The introduction of these modern buses is not just a step towards cleaner transportation; it represents a broader commitment to enhance public safety, affordability, and accessibility for all residents.
As the Nilgiris district continues to develop and modernize its transportation infrastructure, the government remains focused on sustainable practices and innovative solutions that meet the needs of the community. With these new BS6 buses, authorities aim to set new standards for public transport in the region, promoting a greener and more efficient future.
This initiative reflects the Tamil Nadu government’s dedication to creating a reliable and eco-friendly transportation system that supports both economic growth and environmental sustainability in the Nilgiris and beyond.
Published – February 15, 2026, 05:40 PM IST.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/16-new-bs6-buses-flagged-off-in-the-nilgiris/article70634885.ece
Category : Coimbatore
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Publish Date: 2026-02-15 17:40:00
