List of MTC Bus Depots in Chennai

List of MTC Bus Depots in Chennai: A Complete Guide for Commuters (2025)

Chennai, a city known for its rich culture, rapid urbanization, and growing population, relies heavily on public transportation. One of the most crucial elements in this ecosystem is the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC). With a fleet of thousands of buses, MTC operates across the city and suburbs, ensuring mobility for millions every day. Central to its operations are its bus depots, which serve as hubs for bus maintenance, dispatch, scheduling, and route planning.

Whether you’re a regular commuter, transport planner, or someone interested in Chennai’s public transport infrastructure, knowing the locations and roles of MTC bus depots can be incredibly useful. In this comprehensive blog, we provide a list of all major MTC bus depots in Chennai, categorized regionally with key insights.

What is an MTC Bus Depot?

An MTC bus depot is a facility that houses a fleet of buses for a specific region or set of routes. Depots are responsible for:

  1. Parking and maintenance of buses
  2. Crew changeovers
  3. Fueling and cleaning
  4. Route scheduling and dispatching

There are over 30+ depots in the Chennai Metropolitan Area, managed by MTC, and each depot plays a strategic role in covering specific regions.

Region-Wise List of MTC Bus Depots in Chennai

🟠 North Chennai Depots:

  1. Vyasarpadi Depot (VPD) – Services areas like Vyasarpadi, Perambur, Sembium
  2. Ayanavaram Depot (AYD) – Connects Kilpauk, Ayanavaram, and Purasaiwalkam
  3. Tondiarpet Depot (TPT) – Feeds routes towards Ennore, Royapuram
  4. Manali Depot (MLD) – Industrial zones and Manali area
  5. Madhavaram Depot (MDM) – Long-route buses towards Tiruvottiyur, Red Hills

🟢 Central Chennai Depots:

  1. Koyambedu Depot (KMB) – One of the largest; connects to CMBT and intercity buses
  2. Egmore Depot (EGD) – Close to Egmore station, vital for local routes
  3. Poonamallee Depot (PND) – Covers Porur, Iyyappanthangal, and western suburbs
  4. Anna Nagar Depot (AND) – Routes to Anna Nagar, Mogappair, and Villivakkam
  5. Kilpauk Depot (KPD) – Services central Chennai localities

🔵 South Chennai Depots:

  1. Adyar Depot (ADR) – Covers Adyar, Besant Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur
  2. Mandaveli Depot (MVD) – Local routes in Mylapore, Mandaveli
  3. T. Nagar Depot (TNG) – High-demand zone; T. Nagar, Nungambakkam
  4. Saidapet Depot (SPD) – Routes through Mount Road and Guindy
  5. Guindy Depot (GND) – Industrial belt and airport connectivity
  6. Tambaram Depot (TMB) – Serves entire southern corridor including Vandalur, Chromepet

🟣 West Chennai Depots:

  1. Ambattur Depot (ABD) – Covers Ambattur, Avadi, Pattabiram
  2. Avadi Depot (AVD) – Serves western suburbs and military zones
  3. Poonamallee Depot (PND) – Also manages buses for extended western corridors
  4. Thirumangalam Depot (TRD) – Mogappair, Anna Nagar West

🟡 East Coast / OMR Depots:

  1. Thiruvanmiyur Depot (TYD) – IT corridor feeder
  2. Sholinganallur Depot (SLR) – Major point for OMR tech park buses
  3. Kelambakkam Depot (KKB) – Services Mahabalipuram, Siruseri
  4. Tiruvottiyur Depot (TTR) – Coastal belt from Marina to Ennore

Special and Key Depots:

1. Central Depot (CMD):

  • Hub for route management and long-distance city buses
  • Links major bus stands (Egmore, Central, Broadway)

2. Chromepet Depot (CRD):

  • Covers GST Road corridors, Pallavaram, and Tambaram side

3. Broadway Depot (BWD):

  • Near Parrys Corner; handles one of the busiest interchanges

Functional Role of Depots in MTC Operations

  • Daily Scheduling: Buses depart on pre-fixed timetables
  • Maintenance: Mechanical, electrical, and body servicing
  • Crew Management: Driver and conductor shifts, rosters
  • Public Enquiry Centers: Provide updates on routes, timings

MTC Depot Map and App Integration

While MTC does not have a public live tracking app yet, several third-party apps like Chalo, Moovit, and Transit provide depot-based bus search and estimated arrivals. Google Maps also lists MTC depots with photos and reviews.

Interconnectivity Between Depots

MTC depots often share fleet and crew during peak hours. For instance:

  • Koyambedu and Anna Nagar depots often swap buses on weekdays
  • Tambaram, Chromepet, and Sholinganallur work together during office hours
  • Broadway Depot sends support vehicles for festival routes or political rallies

Tips for Commuters

  • Use the bus number code to trace the operating depot (e.g., 70-series often from Adyar)
  • For complaints or route issues, note the depot code printed on the bus
  • Visit MTC official site or nearest depot for lost & found or travel card issues

Singara Chennai Card Top up and Recharge

Conclusion

The MTC bus depots are the unsung backbone of Chennai’s public transportation system. Without these operational centers, the city’s buses wouldn’t run as efficiently or reliably. Understanding their location and functions not only helps you commute smarter but also appreciate the scale at which Chennai’s public transport runs every day.

As Chennai continues to grow, so will the MTC network—and staying informed about depots is your key to mastering the city’s routes.

Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on Singara Chennai Card integration with MTC, bus schedules, and route guides.

For more, visit [singarachennaicard.com]

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