Tamil Nadu CM Flags Off Volvo 9600 Coaches, SETC Launches Premium Intercity Bus Services

Key Highlights:

• 20 Volvo 9600 premium intercity coaches launched.

• Flagged off by CM M. K. Stalin in Chennai.

• 51-seat luxury configuration with calf support.

• Operates on major Tamil Nadu and interstate routes.

• Focus on comfort, safety, and modern travel.

The Tamil Nadu State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) has launched premium intercity bus services with the induction of 20 new Volvo 9600 coaches. The buses were officially flagged off by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. M. K. Stalin, at Island Grounds, Chennai. This initiative marks an important step in the state government’s plan to modernise public transport and improve long-distance travel comfort for passengers.

Senior Leaders Attend the Flag-Off Ceremony

The event witnessed the presence of several senior dignitaries, including Thiru. S. S. Sivasankar, Hon’ble Minister for Transport, Thiru. P. K. Sekar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, and Thiru. Shunchonngam Jatak Chiru, IAS, Principal Secretary, Transport Department.

Other attendees included Thiru. R. Mohan, Managing Director of SETC, Thiru. T. Prabhushankar, IAS, Managing Director of MTC, Thiru. Dayanidhi Maran, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, and Tmt. Priya Rajan, Hon’ble Mayor of Greater Chennai Corporation.

Focus on Comfort, Safety, and Modern Travel

The induction of these buses highlights the Government of Tamil Nadu’s strong focus on passenger comfort, safety, and upgrading state-run transport services. Manufactured at Volvo Buses India’s advanced facilities, the Volvo 9600 is the latest generation coach offered by the brand in India.

Each bus comes in a premium 51-seat layout, designed for long-distance travel. The seats include calf support, ensuring better comfort during extended journeys. These coaches are built for smooth ride quality, high reliability, and consistent performance, aligning with SETC’s goal of improving overall service standards.

Statement from Volvo Bus India

Speaking on the occasion, Suresh Chettiar, Executive Vice President – Bus Division, VE Commercial Vehicles, said the company is proud to partner with SETC and the Tamil Nadu government. He added that the Volvo 9600 coaches are designed to deliver world-class comfort, safety, and operational reliability, helping raise public transport benchmarks across the state.

Key Routes to Be Served

The newly inducted Volvo 9600 coaches will operate on major long-distance intercity routes within Tamil Nadu and to neighbouring states. These routes include:

• Chennai – Coimbatore

• Chennai – Tiruppur

• Chennai – Salem

• Chennai – Thanjavur

• Chennai – Trichy

• Chennai – Nagercoil

• Chennai – Tiruchendur

• Chennai – Bengaluru

• Coimbatore – Bengaluru

• Trichy – Tiruchendur

About Volvo Bus India

Volvo Bus India operates under VE Commercial Vehicles Limited (VECV), a joint venture between the Volvo Group and Eicher Motors Limited. Established in August 2008, VECV manages Eicher trucks and buses, Volvo Buses India, Volvo Trucks distribution, engine manufacturing, non-automotive engines, and component businesses. The company is widely recognised for its role in modernising commercial transportation in India and other developing markets.

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CMV360 Says

The launch of Volvo 9600 coaches by SETC marks a major upgrade in Tamil Nadu’s intercity public transport system. With premium comfort, advanced safety features, and reliable performance, these buses aim to enhance long-distance travel for passengers. The initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to modern, world-class transport services while improving connectivity across key cities within Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states.