The Tamil Nadu government is set to launch its long-awaited comprehensive mini-bus scheme on Monday, aiming to significantly improve last-mile connectivity across both urban and rural parts of the state.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will formally flag off the initiative in Thanjavur, while Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin will inaugurate services in Theni. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian is scheduled to launch the services in Chennai, and other Cabinet ministers will oversee rollouts in their respective districts.One of the most notable reforms under the updated scheme is the introduction of private mini-bus services within the Greater Chennai Corporation limits, marking a first for the city. However, these services will not operate in the core zones of central Chennai.
As part of the initial rollout in Chennai, 20 privately operated mini-buses will begin service on Monday — nine in South Chennai and eleven in North Chennai. In total, 72 routes have been identified within the city: 33 in the North and 39 in the South.
Statewide, the plan includes the introduction of 2,084 new mini-bus routes, supported by the integration of over 1,000 existing services into the revamped framework. This integration is expected to improve coordination, coverage, and oversight across all districts.
A senior Transport Department official confirmed, “Applications have been received from private operators for all designated routes. However, route permits will only be issued after thorough inspection of the vehicles and submission of the required documents.”
The revamped scheme allows routes to be up to 25 kilometers in length. At least 65 percent of each route must cover areas that are underserved by existing public transport. The remaining 35 percent can overlap with regular bus services. Additionally, routes can be extended to public facilities — such as hospitals, libraries, schools, and government offices — if they lie within a one-kilometre radius of the designated endpoint.
K. Kodiyarasan, President of the Tamil Nadu Mini-Bus Owners’ Federation, praised the initiative, calling it “a progressive step for both operators and commuters.” He added, “While we continue to press for long-standing demands like fare revisions in line with fuel prices, we support the timely implementation of this scheme. Our formal representation will follow post-launch.”
Originally scheduled to debut on May 1, the scheme faced a temporary setback when the Transport Department withdrew its initial notification. A revised rollout date of June 16 was later announced through a fresh notification. The delay came in the wake of a legal challenge filed by the CITU-backed Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Employees Federation, which opposed the inclusion of private operators.
Despite initial hurdles, the initiative now moves forward with the support of key stakeholders, promising enhanced mobility, better connectivity in underserved areas, and a collaborative framework between public agencies and private transport operators.
