Route V51 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Route Number | V51 (MTC Chennai) |
| From | Thiagaraya Nagar Bus Depot (T. Nagar), Pondy Bazaar area |
| To | Tambaram West |
| Route Corridor | Via CIT Nagar, Saidapet, Little Mount, Guindy Race Course, Guru Nanak College, Velachery, Ponniamman Kovil Road Junction, Madipakkam Road Junction, Kilkattalai, Vellaikal, SIVET, Mahalakshmi Nagar, Tambaram East |
| Distance | Approximately 30.6 kilometres |
| Total Stops | Approximately 36 stops (one-way) |
| Journey Time (end to end) | Approximately 70 to 80 minutes |
| Daily Trips from T. Nagar | Approximately 68 trips per day |
| Daily Trips from Tambaram West | Approximately 65 trips per day |
| First Bus from T. Nagar | 4:55 AM |
| Last Bus from T. Nagar | 9:40 PM |
| First Bus from Tambaram West | 5:05 AM |
| Last Bus from Tambaram West | 9:40 PM |
| Frequency | Approximately every 12 minutes |
| Operating Days | All 7 days including Sundays and public holidays |
| Bus Type | Deluxe service (V prefix indicates Velachery-based depot operation) |
| AC Bus Available? | No dedicated AC service on V51. Verify with MTC for any updates |
| Starting Fare | Rs 8 (Deluxe minimum) |
| Number of Fare Stages | Up to 12 stages for full route |
V51 vs Route 51 vs Route 51A: Which Should You Take?
| Your Journey | Best Route | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| T. Nagar to Velachery | V51 or 51A | V51 is a Deluxe service with fewer stops and faster travel. Route 51A is the ordinary alternative on a similar corridor |
| T. Nagar to Tambaram West (direct) | V51 | V51 runs the full corridor. Route 51 serves mainly the Velachery to Tambaram West section |
| Velachery to Tambaram West | 51 or V51 | Route 51 has a shorter boarding point (Velachery) with similar stops from Velachery onwards. V51 continues to T. Nagar |
| Saidapet to Tambaram East / West | V51 | V51 stops at Saidapet and continues directly through to Tambaram East and Tambaram West |
| T. Nagar to SIVET College | V51 | V51 has a direct stop at SIVET, a key college stop on the Kilkattalai stretch |
| T. Nagar to Kilkattalai | V51 | V51 serves Kilkattalai directly on the Velachery to Tambaram corridor |
All Stops with Landmarks and Local Context
Route V51 begins at the Thiagaraya Nagar Bus Depot in the heart of Chennai’s premier commercial district and travels south through Saidapet and Velachery before entering the Kilkattalai–Tambaram corridor, one of the city’s key south suburban residential belts.
Zone 1: T. Nagar to Saidapet (Stops 1 to 5)
1 Thiagaraya Nagar Bus Depot (T. Nagar)
| What it is | Origin terminus at Chennai’s most famous shopping and commercial district |
| Key landmarks | Pondy Bazaar (Tamil Nadu’s busiest retail street), T. Nagar bus depot, Panagal Park, Usman Road shopping zone, Saravana Stores complexes |
| Metro connection | T. Nagar CMRL Metro Station (Phase 2, Green Line) — verify operational status at cmrl.in |
| Tip | Board at the depot for a guaranteed seat. The bus fills significantly by Saidapet and Velachery during peak hours |
2 CIT Nagar
| What it is | Residential quarter between T. Nagar and Saidapet, primarily government housing |
| Key landmarks | CIT Nagar housing colony, local shops and residential lanes connecting T. Nagar to Saidapet |
3 Saidapet (Panagal Maligai / Teachers Training College)
| What it is | Major transit junction and residential-commercial hub connecting the city core to South Chennai |
| Key landmarks | Saidapet bus stand, Saidapet Panagal Maligai complex, Teachers Training College, Saidapet market area, DMS Junction nearby |
| Rail connection | Saidapet Railway Station on the Chennai Beach–Tambaram suburban line, a short walk from the bus stop |
| Why it matters | One of the highest-boarding stops on V51. Residents of Ashok Nagar, Virugambakkam, and Nandanam connecting toward south Chennai use this stop heavily |
4 Little Mount
| What it is | Landmark religious and residential stop between Saidapet and Guindy |
| Key landmarks | Little Mount Church (a historic 16th-century Catholic shrine), Little Mount MRTS station, St. Thomas Mount area nearby |
| Rail connection | Little Mount MRTS Station connects to Chennai Beach and Velachery via the MRTS Rail corridor |
5 Guindy Race Course (Kannagipuram)
| What it is | Landmark stop near the Guindy Race Course on the approach to Guru Nanak College and Velachery |
| Key landmarks | Madras Race Club (Chennai Race Course), Raj Bhavan access road, Kannagipuram residential area, Guindy National Park boundary nearby |
Zone 2: Velachery Approach (Stops 6 to 8)
6 Guru Nanak College (Phoenix Market City area)
| What it is | College and mall landmark stop approaching Velachery from the northern side |
| Key landmarks | Guru Nanak College of Arts and Science, Phoenix Market City (one of South India’s largest malls — IMAX, 200+ stores, food court), Velachery Main Road |
| Shopping | Phoenix Market City is a key stop for shoppers from T. Nagar, Saidapet, and OMR catchment areas |
7 Velachery
| What it is | The highest-boarding intermediate stop on Route V51 outside the terminus. A major South Chennai residential hub |
| Key landmarks | Velachery main junction, Vijay Nagar residential area, local commercial zone on Velachery Main Road |
| Rail connection | Velachery MRTS Station (Velachery Railway Station) is a short walk — connects to Chennai Beach via Saidapet and Fort |
| Real estate note | Velachery apartments traded at approximately Rs 7,000 to Rs 9,500 per sq ft in 2026. Popular with working professionals for its rail and road access |
| Tip | If boarding at Velachery during peak hours (7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM to 8 PM), expect a standing journey toward Tambaram |
8 A.V. Construction
| What it is | Named locality stop in the Velachery–Madipakkam transitional zone |
| Key landmarks | A.V. Construction landmark, Velachery Bypass Road area, residential and commercial establishments connecting to Madipakkam Road |
Zone 3: Kilkattalai Corridor (Stops 9 to 13)
9 Ponniamman Kovil Road Junction
| What it is | Named after the Ponniamman temple at the junction; key entry point to the Madipakkam-Kilkattalai residential belt |
| Key landmarks | Ponniamman Temple junction, Madipakkam approach road, local residential colonies |
10 Madipakkam Road Junction
| What it is | Junction serving the large Madipakkam residential suburb, which has expanded rapidly with apartment developments |
| Key landmarks | Madipakkam main junction, access to Madipakkam residential areas, Kovilambakkam nearby |
| Real estate note | Madipakkam and Kovilambakkam are mid-range residential zones popular with IT professionals working in Perungudi and Sholinganallur |
11 Kilkattalai
| What it is | Major residential locality on the Velachery–Tambaram road, one of South Chennai’s rapidly growing suburban zones |
| Key landmarks | Kilkattalai main area, Perumbakkam limit approach, Sembakkam residential zone nearby, local commercial establishments |
| Connectivity note | Kilkattalai residents use V51 heavily for commutes to T. Nagar and Saidapet for commercial and government services |
12 Vellaikal
| What it is | Residential locality stop in the Kilkattalai–SIVET transition zone |
| Key landmarks | Vellaikal area, named after a local banyan tree landmark; connects to the Tambaram road approach |
13 Junction of Velachery–Tambaram Road and Maraimalai Nagar–Kelambakkam Road
| What it is | A key route split junction where the Velachery–Tambaram road meets the outer ring road toward Kelambakkam and Maraimalai Nagar |
| Key landmarks | Perumbakkam junction, junction to Kovilambakkam, SAF Aquatic Complex approach (Pallavaram), important auto-rickshaw interchange point |
| Connections | Autos available to Perumbakkam, Sembakkam, and SAF Aquatic Complex area (Pallavaram) |
Zone 4: SIVET to Tambaram West (Stops 14 to 16)
14 S.I.V.E.T. College
| What it is | Key college stop serving Sri Inbamalar Vijayalakshmi Educational Trust — one of the busiest boarding points for students on V51 |
| Key landmarks | SIVET College campus, Mahalakshmi Nagar residential area approaching Tambaram East |
| Student note | SIVET College is a popular arts and science college with high morning peak ridership from Tambaram West, Tambaram East, and the Velachery corridor |
15 Mahalakshmi Nagar
| What it is | Residential locality stop in the Tambaram East approach zone |
| Key landmarks | Mahalakshmi Nagar colony, local commercial area, Tambaram East zone |
15 Convent (Tambaram East area)
| What it is | Named after the convent school in the Tambaram East locality |
| Key landmarks | Convent school building, Tambaram East residential zone, approaching Tambaram West terminal |
16 Tambaram West (Final Stop)
| What it is | Southern terminus of V51, a major suburban hub 30.6 km from T. Nagar |
| About Tambaram West | Tambaram is a major railway junction and residential-commercial hub in southern Chennai. Tambaram West side has heavy residential density and good railway access |
| Rail connection | Tambaram Railway Station on the Chennai Beach–Chengalpattu suburban line, one of Tamil Nadu’s busiest suburban junctions |
| Connections | Suburban trains to Chennai Beach, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Villupuram directions; buses to Vandalur Zoo, Maraimalai Nagar, Guduvancherry |
| Tip | Tambaram Railway Station is a short auto or walk from the Tambaram West bus terminus. Plan time accordingly for train connections |
Bus Fare Chart for Route V51
Route V51 operates as a Deluxe service. The starting minimum fare is Rs 8. All fares include a cess of Rs 1. The table below shows MTC standard fare stages applicable to this route.
| Stage | Ordinary (Rs) | Express / Deluxe (Rs) | Deluxe (Rs) | Night Service (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 10 |
| 2 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 12 |
| 3 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 14 |
| 4 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 16 |
| 5 | 10 | 14 | 20 | 18 |
| 6 | 11 | 16 | 22 | 20 |
| 7 | 12 | 17 | 24 | 22 |
| 8 | 13 | 19 | 26 | 24 |
| 9 | 14 | 20 | 28 | 26 |
| 10 | 15 | 22 | 30 | 28 |
| 11 to 12 (Full route) | 16 | 23 | 32 | 30 |
Practical fare guide:
T. Nagar to Saidapet (approx. 5 km): Rs 8 to Rs 10
T. Nagar to Velachery (approx. 11 km): Rs 10 to Rs 14
T. Nagar to Kilkattalai (approx. 19 km): Rs 14 to Rs 20
T. Nagar to SIVET / Tambaram East (approx. 26 km): Rs 17 to Rs 23
T. Nagar to Tambaram West (30.6 km, full route): Rs 18 to Rs 23
Monthly pass: Rs 2,000 unlimited MTC pass (from March 2025) covers Route V51.
Interchange and Connectivity Guide
| Stop | Connect To | Mode | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| T. Nagar | CMRL Metro (Phase 2) | Metro Rail | Verify operational status at cmrl.in |
| T. Nagar | Multiple MTC routes | Bus | Egmore, Broadway, Koyambedu, Airport |
| Saidapet | Saidapet Railway Station | Suburban Rail | Chennai Beach, Tambaram, Guindy, Mambalam |
| Little Mount | Little Mount MRTS Station | MRTS Rail | Velachery, Saidapet, Fort, Chennai Beach |
| Velachery | Velachery MRTS Station | MRTS Rail | Saidapet, Fort, Chennai Beach |
| Madipakkam Rd Jn | Autos to Kovilambakkam | Auto-rickshaw | Kovilambakkam, Perumbakkam residential areas |
| Kilkattalai Jn | Autos / feeder buses | Auto-rickshaw | Sembakkam, SAF Games Village area |
| Tambaram West | Tambaram Railway Station | Suburban Rail | Chennai Beach, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram |
| Tambaram West | MTC buses to Vandalur | Bus | Vandalur Zoo, Guduvancherry, Maraimalai Nagar |
Who Uses Route V51
T. Nagar Shoppers and Commuters
Pondy Bazaar is Tamil Nadu’s most visited retail destination. Residents of Saidapet, Velachery, Kilkattalai, and Tambaram use V51 regularly to access T. Nagar for shopping, banking, and commercial errands. V51 is one of the fastest direct connections between Tambaram West and T. Nagar on a bus.
Saidapet and Little Mount Residents
The dense residential zones around Saidapet and Little Mount rely on V51 for connections both northward to T. Nagar and southward toward Velachery and Tambaram. The Saidapet Railway Station interchange makes this a multi-modal node.
Velachery Residents Traveling South
Velachery is the highest-boarding intermediate stop. Residents of Vijay Nagar and surrounding Velachery colonies use V51 to reach T. Nagar and Saidapet for retail and government offices, and toward Kilkattalai and Tambaram for residential destinations.
SIVET College Students
SIVET College generates significant morning and afternoon peak ridership on V51. Students from Tambaram West, Tambaram East, and the Kilkattalai zone board heavily in the morning toward SIVET, with the reverse flow in the afternoon.
Tambaram West Suburban Residents
Tambaram West is a well-established suburban hub with strong railway connectivity. Residents use V51 as the direct route to T. Nagar, Saidapet, and Velachery without needing to change at intermediate bus termini.
V51 Operating Timetable Overview
The below timetable is indicative based on the operating schedule. With approximately 68 trips from T. Nagar and 65 from Tambaram West each day, the average headway is around 12 minutes. Always verify current timings at mtcbus.tn.gov.in.
Direction 1: T. Nagar → Tambaram West
First bus: 4:55 AM | Last bus: 9:40 PM | Approx. 68 trips/day
| Stop | First Trip | Approx. 8 AM Trip | Approx. 12 PM Trip | Approx. 5 PM Trip | Last Trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T. Nagar | 4:55 AM | 8:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 9:40 PM |
| CIT Nagar | 4:58 AM | 8:03 AM | 12:03 PM | 5:03 PM | 9:43 PM |
| Saidapet | 5:06 AM | 8:15 AM | 12:12 PM | 5:12 PM | 9:52 PM |
| Little Mount | 5:10 AM | 8:20 AM | 12:16 PM | 5:17 PM | 9:56 PM |
| Guindy Race Course | 5:14 AM | 8:26 AM | 12:21 PM | 5:23 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Guru Nanak College | 5:17 AM | 8:30 AM | 12:25 PM | 5:28 PM | 10:04 PM |
| Velachery | 5:21 AM | 8:36 AM | 12:30 PM | 5:34 PM | 10:08 PM |
| A.V. Construction | 5:25 AM | 8:41 AM | 12:35 PM | 5:40 PM | 10:12 PM |
| Ponniamman Kovil Rd Jn | 5:28 AM | 8:45 AM | 12:38 PM | 5:44 PM | 10:15 PM |
| Madipakkam Rd Jn | 5:31 AM | 8:49 AM | 12:42 PM | 5:48 PM | 10:18 PM |
| Kilkattalai | 5:35 AM | 8:54 AM | 12:46 PM | 5:53 PM | 10:22 PM |
| Vellaikal | 5:38 AM | 8:58 AM | 12:50 PM | 5:57 PM | 10:25 PM |
| S.I.V.E.T. | 5:44 AM | 9:05 AM | 12:56 PM | 6:04 PM | 10:30 PM |
| Mahalakshmi Nagar | 5:47 AM | 9:08 AM | 12:59 PM | 6:07 PM | 10:33 PM |
| Convent | 5:50 AM | 9:12 AM | 1:02 PM | 6:11 PM | 10:36 PM |
| Tambaram West | 5:55 AM | 9:18 AM | 1:08 PM | 6:18 PM | 10:42 PM |
Direction 2: Tambaram West → T. Nagar
First bus: 5:05 AM | Last bus: 9:40 PM | Approx. 65 trips/day
| Stop | First Trip | Approx. 8 AM Trip | Approx. 12 PM Trip | Approx. 5 PM Trip | Last Trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tambaram West | 5:05 AM | 8:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 9:40 PM |
| Convent | 5:08 AM | 8:04 AM | 12:04 PM | 5:04 PM | 9:44 PM |
| Mahalakshmi Nagar | 5:11 AM | 8:07 AM | 12:07 PM | 5:07 PM | 9:47 PM |
| S.I.V.E.T. | 5:14 AM | 8:11 AM | 12:11 PM | 5:11 PM | 9:51 PM |
| Vellaikal | 5:19 AM | 8:17 AM | 12:17 PM | 5:17 PM | 9:56 PM |
| Kilkattalai | 5:22 AM | 8:21 AM | 12:21 PM | 5:21 PM | 9:59 PM |
| Madipakkam Rd Jn | 5:26 AM | 8:26 AM | 12:26 PM | 5:27 PM | 10:03 PM |
| Ponniamman Kovil Rd Jn | 5:29 AM | 8:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 5:32 PM | 10:06 PM |
| A.V. Construction | 5:32 AM | 8:34 AM | 12:34 PM | 5:37 PM | 10:09 PM |
| Velachery | 5:37 AM | 8:40 AM | 12:40 PM | 5:44 PM | 10:14 PM |
| Guru Nanak College | 5:41 AM | 8:46 AM | 12:45 PM | 5:50 PM | 10:18 PM |
| Guindy Race Course | 5:44 AM | 8:50 AM | 12:49 PM | 5:55 PM | 10:21 PM |
| Little Mount | 5:48 AM | 8:55 AM | 12:54 PM | 6:01 PM | 10:25 PM |
| Saidapet | 5:52 AM | 9:02 AM | 1:00 PM | 6:08 PM | 10:29 PM |
| CIT Nagar | 5:58 AM | 9:09 AM | 1:07 PM | 6:16 PM | 10:35 PM |
| T. Nagar | 6:02 AM | 9:14 AM | 1:12 PM | 6:22 PM | 10:40 PM |
Timetable Notes:
- All times are estimates. Actual times may vary 3 to 8 minutes due to traffic, especially on the T. Nagar and Saidapet stretch during peak hours.
- Peak hours (7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM): Expect delays of 10 to 20 minutes on the T. Nagar to Velachery section due to dense city traffic.
- With approximately 68 trips per day from T. Nagar, the average headway is 12 minutes. Wait times are short on this route compared to most MTC services.
- Always confirm current timings at mtcbus.tn.gov.in before travel, as MTC may revise schedules without prior notice.
Traveller Tips for Route V51
Know the Route Before Boarding
- V51 is a Deluxe service (V prefix). This means it is generally faster with fewer intermediate stops compared to ordinary MTC routes on a similar corridor.
- The “V” in V51 historically indicates the Velachery depot operating this service. Check the board on the front of the bus to confirm destination before boarding at T. Nagar, as multiple routes depart from the same area.
- V51 does not serve Perungudi, Sholinganallur, or OMR. For those destinations, board routes 570 or 570S from Velachery or T. Nagar instead.
- Tambaram Railway Station is a short distance from the Tambaram West bus terminus. Plan an additional 5 to 8 minutes if you need to catch a train.
Frequency Planning
- V51 runs approximately every 12 minutes — one of the higher frequency routes in South Chennai. You rarely wait more than 15 minutes at any stop.
- At Velachery, Route 51 (ordinary) also serves the Velachery to Tambaram West corridor. Between V51 and Route 51, the combined headway at Velachery southward is approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- During peak hours, if you miss a V51, check for Route 51 buses which serve a similar Velachery–Tambaram corridor.
Peak Hour Strategy
- Board at T. Nagar at least 5 to 10 minutes early during morning peak (7:30 AM to 9:30 AM). The bus fills rapidly once it enters Saidapet and Velachery.
- From Tambaram West, the evening return peak (5:30 PM to 8 PM) is very heavy. Board early or expect a standing journey to Velachery.
- Velachery to T. Nagar morning direction is one of the heaviest-loaded sections on this route during peak hours.
Bus Tracking
- MTC official website: mtcbus.tn.gov.in for current schedules and service updates
- Moovit app for real-time V51 bus tracking in Chennai
- Contact MTC customer care for route confirmation and live updates
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the “V” in V51 stand for?
The “V” prefix typically denotes the Velachery depot, indicating that this service is operated and based out of the Velachery bus depot. It also reflects the route’s strong Velachery connection as a major intermediate point.
Is V51 the same as Route 51?
No. Route V51 runs the full T. Nagar to Tambaram West corridor as a Deluxe service. Route 51 is an ordinary service that primarily operates between Velachery and Tambaram West. Route 51A is another variant on a similar corridor. V51 offers through-service from T. Nagar, which 51 does not.
Can I use V51 to reach SIVET College?
Yes. SIVET College has a dedicated stop on V51, approximately 14 stops from T. Nagar. It is one of the busiest stops on this route during student peak hours (7:30 AM to 9 AM and 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM).
What is the last bus from Tambaram West to T. Nagar?
The last bus from Tambaram West toward T. Nagar departs at approximately 9:40 PM. If you miss this, check for other MTC routes from Tambaram that connect to Saidapet or Velachery, from where onward connections are available.
Does V51 have an AC variant?
No dedicated AC service operates on the V51 corridor as of early 2026. Verify with MTC at mtcbus.tn.gov.in for the latest updates on AC services to Tambaram West.
How do I reach Tambaram Railway Station from the V51 terminus?
Tambaram West bus terminus is near Tambaram Railway Station. The station is accessible on foot or by a short auto ride of 5 to 10 minutes from the bus terminus, depending on traffic and exact stopping point.
Is the monthly MTC pass valid on V51?
Yes. The Rs 2,000 unlimited MTC monthly pass (introduced from March 2025) is valid on Route V51.
Useful Links
- MTC Official Website: mtcbus.tn.gov.in
- Related routes: Route 51 (Velachery to Tambaram West, ordinary), Route 51A (T. Nagar to Tambaram West, ordinary)
- Moovit app for real-time tracking of V51 in Chennai
- MTC Complaint Registration: mtcbus.tn.gov.in portal or any MTC depot
- Monthly pass: Rs 2,000 unlimited MTC pass covers Route V51 (from March 2025)
Last updated: April 2026. MTC may change route timings, stops, and fares without notice. Timetable figures are calculated estimates based on official trip counts and first bus timings. Always verify current information at mtcbus.tn.gov.in before travel.
