TTDC Launches Double-Decker Electric Bus Heritage Tour For Washermenpet Students

The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) on Wednesday launched 'Know Chennai', a new one-day heritage tour for school students on a double-decker electric bus. The inaugural tour commenced from the Tourism Office on Walajah Road, taking 63 students and three teachers from Chennai High School in Old Washermenpet on an educational journey across the city's historic landmarks.

TTDC Managing Director and Director of Tourism V P Jeyaseelan flagged off the initiative. The launch event was also attended by TTDC General Manager and District Revenue Officer S Lakshmi Priya, alongside other senior officials.

The first trip of the initiative ran from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM. During the two-and-a-half-hour ride, a tour guide accompanied the group to explain the historical and cultural significance of the locations they passed. TTDC also provided snacks to the participating students and teachers.

The double-decker bus carried the students past several of Chennai’s most prominent landmarks. The route included Mount Road, the LIC Building, Spencer Plaza, Mecca Masjid, Pallavan Salai, and the Bodyguard Muneeswarar Temple.

The tour also covered Raja Annamalai Mandram, the Madras High Court, the Secretariat, the Reserve Bank of India, Chennai Port, the War Memorial, Napier Bridge, and the memorials along Marina Beach.

The students further viewed the Lighthouse, Pattinapakkam Beach, Santhome Basilica, All India Radio, the Police Headquarters, Queen Mary’s College, Vivekananda House, Presidency College, Ezhilagam, the University of Madras, Doordarshan Kendra, Rajaji Hall, and the Government Omandurar Multi Super Speciality Hospital.

According to officials, the programme is designed to help Greater Chennai Corporation school students gain a better understanding of the city's heritage and civic landmarks through structured, guided tours.