Chennai to operate 15,659 bus services for Diwali travel rush
Transport minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban announced special boarding points across 16 locations to reduce congestion at Kilambakkam terminus.
The Chennai transport department will run 15,659 bus services, including 9,086 special trips, from November 5 to 7 to manage Diwali travel, according to Urban Acres.
Transport minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban said the plan aims to lower passenger costs, travel time, and congestion at the Kilambakkam bus terminus. Passengers can select boarding points from 16 city locations, such as Avadi, Tambaram, Adyar, Poonamallee, and Tiruvanmiyur, via a booking app.
The minister stated that approximately 6,000 people are expected to head to Kilambakkam daily during the rush, necessitating about 2,000 buses for movement. The department estimates this arrangement could save passengers nearly ₹1,000 in travel costs to the southern terminus.
Different termini will manage specific routes. Kilambakkam will serve Puducherry, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Salem, while a temporary terminus near CMDA Climate Park will handle Vandavasi, Polur, and Tiruvannamalai. Maraimalai Nagar will serve Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, and Nagapattinam, and Koyambedu will handle Bengaluru and Vellore.
For the return journey on November 9 and 10, the department has planned 11,197 services, including 6,815 special buses. Fourteen advance reservation counters will be available at Kilambakkam, Koyambedu, and Maraimalai Nagar.
Officials have instructed staff to ensure safe boarding and courteous service. Minister Parthiban warned that disciplinary action would follow if investigations prove allegations of misconduct, including those raised on social media.