TNSTC to operate 15,659 buses from Chennai for Deepavali rush
Transport Minister Vijay Tamilan Parthiban announced special arrangements to manage passenger travel between November 5 and 7.
The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) will deploy 15,659 buses from Chennai between November 5 and 7 to handle the Deepavali festival rush, according to the Deccan Chronicle. Transport Minister Vijay Tamilan Parthiban announced the plan on Wednesday following a review meeting with police and transport officials.
Of the total services departing from Chennai, 6,573 are regular, 7,427 are special, and 1,659 are private contract carriage buses. The minister added that 26,139 inter-district buses will also run across the state during this period. On November 5, 5,061 buses are scheduled to leave the city, including 2,191 regular, 2,316 special, and 554 contract vehicles.
To ease congestion at the Kilambakkam bus terminus, 16 boarding points have been established for passengers with tickets pre-booked via the official app. These locations include Tiruvanmiyur, Avadi, Tambaram, Tiruvottiyur, Siruseri, Adyar, Broadway, Egmore, Ambattur, Taramani, Island Grounds, Guindy, Velachery, Ashok Pillar, Poonamallee, and Saidapet.
Parthiban warned private omni bus operators against overcharging passengers, noting that 10 buses have already been impounded for charging exorbitant fares. He stated that alternative transport was provided to those affected. The government has also doubled the daily batta for conductors and drivers to recognise their work.
Additional measures include installing 1.5-foot-high wooden platforms at temporary stands to prevent slush issues, providing extra seating, and deploying temporary mobile towers for connectivity. Packaged drinking water will be sold for Rs 10 through special Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) booths and on all buses.