State Transport to Partner with Volvo, Luxury Buses to Hit the Roads in Tamil-Nadu

By Amit Jangra | Published Date : July 28, 2025

SETC partners with Volvo to launch 20 luxury AC buses, enhancing long-distance travel comfort across Tamil Nadu.

If you travel by bus in Tamil Nadu, there’s good news ahead. The experience is about to change — and in a big way. The State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) is preparing to roll out 20 premium Volvo buses, giving public transport a stylish and comfortable upgrade.

For the first time, commuters will enjoy Volvo’s signature comfort — air-conditioned interiors, modern seating and top-class safety features — all on government-run buses.

Volvo Selected as the Only Bidder

Table of Contents

1. Volvo Selected as the Only Bidder

2. What Features Will These Volvo Buses Have?

3. What Can Passengers Expect?

4. Why This Move Matters

5. What Happens Next?

6. What Else to Know?

Also Read: Tata Motors In Discussions To Buy Iveco Group: The Impact of 'Golden Power' Laws on Decision-Making

Last month, SETC released a high-level tender to buy 20 fully built, multi-axle air-conditioned buses. Unlike regular tenders where buses are assembled locally (like in Karur), this time the demand was for factory-built buses with strict quality standards.

The specifications included:

→ BS-VI high-performance engine
→ Full air suspension
→ Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
→ Vehicle stability control (VSC)
→ Premium onboard features

Industry experts had already predicted that Volvo would be the only manufacturer capable of meeting these tough requirements — and that’s exactly what happened. Volvo’s proposal is now under review by SETC and if the price matches government expectations, an official purchase order will be placed soon.

What Features Will These Volvo Buses Have?

The new Volvo buses will offer a luxury experience similar to private bus services. Passengers can expect:

→ 51+1 or 55+1 seating layout
→ Theater-style comfortable seats
→ Wide gangways for easy movement
→ Individual USB charging ports
→ Personal AC vents
→ Front and rear LED TVs
→ Underbody luggage compartments
→ Anti-skid flooring for safety

Many passengers turned to private buses for a reason. SETC is aiming to change that narrative by making government buses just as comfortable and trustworthy for long-distance travel.

What Can Passengers Expect?

Comfort, above all. Each bus will likely offer 51+1 or 55+1 seats, designed in a theatre-style layout that gives extra legroom. Wide aisles make moving easier. Passengers will also find personal USB ports, individual AC vents and even LED TVs installed in the front and back.

The buses will also have anti-skid floors and large underbody luggage compartments, making them ideal for long-distance routes like Chennai to Bangalore or Chennai to Coimbatore — popular corridors where private bus operators have long had the upper hand.

Why This Move Matters

For years, private luxury buses dominated longer routes, attracting passengers with better comfort and cleaner rides. Government buses often couldn’t compete. That’s now changing.

SETC officials said the goal is clear: bring state-run services up to modern standards. With these new Volvo buses, they hope to win back passengers who’ve shifted to private travel over the years.

What Happens Next?

Volvo’s bid is currently under evaluation. If their quote falls within budget, the purchase order will be issued without delay. Once cleared, delivery and rollout won’t be far behind. So if you’re planning a trip later this year, you might just be riding in one of these new luxury buses.

What Else to Know?

Beyond this update, if you’re considering investing in a commercial vehicle — whether it’s a bus, tipper, pickup truck, or even electric three-wheelers — platforms like TrucksBuses.com offer a full range with financing support, EMI plans and seasonal offers.

Related News: Supreme Court Clarifies LMV License Covers Commercial Vehicles Under 7.5 Tons

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Frequently Asked Questions on Buses

1. How many Volvo luxury buses will Tamil Nadu State Transport introduce?

Ans: Tamil Nadu’s State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) plans to introduce 20 luxury Volvo AC buses for long-distance routes.

2. What special features will these Volvo buses have?

Ans: These buses will offer premium features like theater-style seating, individual USB ports, AC vents, LED TVs, anti-skid flooring and underbody luggage compartments.

3. When will the new Volvo buses start running on Tamil Nadu roads?

Ans: The buses will start operating soon after the purchase order is finalized, which depends on the approval of Volvo’s bid and pricing by SETC officials.