The Tamil Nadu State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) today launched its premium intercity transport services with the flag-off of 20 new Volvo 9600 15-metre seater coaches by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru M. K. Stalin, at Island Grounds, Chennai. The induction marks a significant step in the Government of Tamil Nadu’s continued efforts to modernise public transport and enhance long-distance travel experiences for passengers.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior dignitaries including Thiru. S. S. Sivasankar, Hon’ble Minister for Transport, Government of Tamil Nadu; Thiru. P. K. Sekar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments; Thiru. Shunchonngam Jatak Chiru, IAS, Principal Secretary, Transport Department; Thiru. R. Mohan, Managing Director, SETC; Thiru. T. Prabhushankar, IAS, Managing Director, Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC); Thiru. Dayanidhi Maran, Hon’ble Member of Parliament; and Tmt. Priya Rajan, Hon’ble Mayor, Greater Chennai Corporation.

The induction reflects the Government of Tamil Nadu’s focus on delivering superior passenger comfort, enhanced safety, and the ongoing modernisation of state-run transport services. Manufactured at Volvo Buses India’s state-of-the-art facilities, the Volvo 9600 coaches represent the latest generation of premium intercity buses offered by Volvo in India.

Each coach is configured with 51 premium seats equipped with calf support, ensuring superior comfort and ride quality for long-haul travel. Designed for high reliability and consistent performance, the Volvo 9600 coaches align with SETC’s objective of elevating service standards across its intercity operations.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Suresh Chettiar, Executive Vice President – Bus Division, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “We are proud to partner with SETC and the Government of Tamil Nadu in strengthening the state’s intercity transport ecosystem with the induction of Volvo 9600 coaches. These buses are engineered to deliver world-class comfort, safety, and operational reliability, supporting SETC’s vision of providing a superior travel experience to passengers.”

The newly inducted Volvo 9600 coaches will operate on key long-distance routes connecting major cities within Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states, including Chennai–Coimbatore, Chennai–Tiruppur, Chennai–Salem, Chennai–Thanjavur, Chennai–Trichy, Chennai–Nagercoil, Chennai–Tiruchendur, Chennai–Bengaluru, Coimbatore–Bengaluru, and Trichy–Tiruchendur.