Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay chaired a review meeting on the functioning of the Transport Department, including its long-term plans, implementation of free bus travel for women across the State, large-scale introduction of electric buses, and welfare of transport workers, at the Secretariat on Wednesday.

According to an official release, a total of 21,527 buses are being operated by the eight State-run transport corporations across the State, serving about 2.05 crore passengers every day, of whom 64% avail themselves of the free travel facility.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the Transport Department’s one-year, three-year, and five-year action plans, aimed at strengthening and modernising the transport corporations, the release said.

The Chief Minister instructed officials on the procurement of air-conditioned electric buses for the transport corporations, the implementation of a smart card-based cashless ticketing system, and the roll-out of the Bus Rapid Transit System, which will provide dedicated lanes for buses.

Minister for Transport A. Vijay Tamilan Parthiban, Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) M.A. Siddique, and Transport Secretary M. Vallalar participated.

Mr. Vijay also called on Chief Justice of the Madras High Court Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari at his residence in Chennai, an official release said.

This was the first time Mr. Vijay had called on Justice Dharmadhikari for a courtesy visit after assuming office as the Chief Minister.