Chennai’s new low-floor MTC buses, while designed without air conditioning, share the same shell design as their AC counterparts, creating a serious ventilation issue that has passengers sweating under the Chennai sun. The problem is particularly acute in the last two rows, where small windows offer minimal air circulation.
To combat this sweltering situation, bus crews have resorted to keeping roof hatches open – a measure typically reserved for emergencies, such as bus overturns. This highlights the severity of the ventilation problem. While this design might work in cities with moderate climates like Bengaluru, Chennai’s scorching heat, often exceeding 35°C, makes travelling on these buses an ordeal.
“The situation worsens during peak hours when buses are packed with passengers standing in the aisles, further restricting the already limited air circulation,” said P Vignesh, a regular MTC commuter from Pallikaranai.
In response to similar complaints, MTC took to X, formerly Twitter, stating they would investigate and resolve the problem.
Santhapriyan Kamaraj from TNSTC Enthusiasts, a group advocating for bus design improvements in collaboration with government transport corporations, suggested installing centralized blowers, similar to those found in the new pink-coloured suburban train coaches, to enhance ventilation. He pointed to the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) as a successful example of implementing such blowers to combat summer heat.
Kamaraj proposed blowers as a more practical and economical solution than expensive air conditioning or complex retrofitting. Another viable option, he suggested, would be to install small fans in each seat row, ensuring a comfortable journey for passengers navigating Chennai’s challenging climate.
