Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has announced a major shift in the state's public transport policy by directing that all future government bus acquisitions should be air-conditioned. The decision is intended to improve passenger comfort and encourage greater use of public transport.

The announcement was conveyed by Transport Minister Vijay Tamilan Parthiban while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party event in Salem. According to the minister, the Chief Minister believes commuters across the state deserve a more comfortable travel experience and wants air-conditioned buses to become the standard for future procurements.

Parthiban said Vijay has also stressed the importance of strengthening bus connectivity across Tamil Nadu, ensuring that even remote and underserved areas are linked through an efficient public transport network. The Chief Minister reportedly wants government buses to be equipped with modern amenities so that people from all walks of life can travel conveniently.

The minister recalled Vijay's recent journey on a state-run bus, saying the experience reinforced the Chief Minister's vision of upgrading the fleet with air-conditioned vehicles to improve travel standards.

The announcement comes shortly after Vijay inaugurated a fleet of 300 newly inducted government buses. During the launch event, the Chief Minister was seen interacting with transport staff, including a bus conductor.

The newly introduced buses, acquired at a cost of approximately ₹127.21 crore, comprise 164 diesel-powered vehicles and 136 BS-VI compliant CNG buses. These have already been deployed from major transport hubs, including Koyambedu and Kilambakkam, with the objective of enhancing connectivity and reducing waiting times for passengers.

Several senior ministers and officials from the Transport Department attended the flag-off ceremony, which marked another step in the government's efforts to modernise Tamil Nadu's public transportation system.

The latest decision to prioritise only air-conditioned buses in future purchases aligns with the state's broader plan to upgrade public transport infrastructure, improve commuter convenience, and expand connectivity across Tamil Nadu.