The formation of a separate corporation exclusively for operating long distance express services connecting all the district Headquarters in the State (Tamil Nadu) with Chennai as Headquarters was thought by the Government during the year 1975. Hence the long distance express services was operated by erst while Tamilnadu State Transport Department were transferred as the Express wing of Pallavan Transport Corporation with effect from 15th sep'1975.The express wing of Pallavan Transport Corporation was registered on 14th January 1980 and named as Thiruvalluvar Transport Corporation.

Thiruvalluvar Transport Corporation Limited, was bifurcated and formed a new corporation with effect from 27th January 1994 P.T. Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Transport Corporation, for the exclusive operation of Inter State Service from Tamilnadu. The P.T. Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Transport Corporation was renamed as Rajiv Gandhi Transport Corporation Limited from 21st May 1996. Thiruvalluvar Transport Corporation Limited was renamed as State Express Transport Corporation (Tamil Nadu Division I) Limited from 17th July 1997 and Rajiv Gandhi Transport Corporation Limited was renamed as State Express Transport Corporation (Tamil Nadu Division II) Limited from 30th July 1997. State Express Transport Corporation (Tamil Nadu Division II) was amalgamated with State Express Transport Corporation (Tamil Nadu Division I) Limited with effect from 07th February 2002 and now functioning as "State Express Transport Corporation Tamil Nadu Limited" with fleet strength of 954 at present.

State Express Transport Corporation Tamilnadu Limited operates long distance Express Services throughout the State of Tamilnadu linking all important capital cities, historical, religious and commercial places etc. and adjoining states like Andhra Pradesh Karnataka, Kerala and Pudhucherry. This Corporation is operating Semi-deluxe, Super deluxe, Video Coach, and Air condition buses.

In India’s passenger road transport sector, STATE EXPRESS TRANSPORT CORPORATION TAMILNADU LIMITED is setting benchmarks in a large number of operational areas. Its superior services deliverables and all round performance have helped it bag a number of awards at the national level in several categories like vehicle Productivity, Tyre performance and minimum operational cost etc. STATE EXPRESS TRANSPORT CORPORATION TAMILNADU LIMITED has become the most preferred transport service provider by the people of Tamilnadu and its neighbouring state. STATE EXPRESS TRANSPORT CORPORATION TAMILNADU LIMITED’s large objective is to adopt efficient in its day-to-day activities and bring the best to long distance passengers needs.

At present State Express Transport Corporation Tamil Nadu Limited provides one of the most affordable public transport to 1 Lakh passengers per day. For more Comfort and Luxury to the travelling public, SETC introduced 310 Ultra Deluxe Buses with 36 seating capacity with air Suspension and pollution free system to Inter & Intra State routes.