Ayudha Pooja Holidays: Over 8 Lakh People Travel from Chennai to Hometowns

More than 8 lakh people travelled from Chennai to their hometowns over two days ahead of the Ayudha Pooja and Vijayadashami festivals. With a four-day holiday period, thousands of people have been travelling to their native places using government buses, trains, omni buses and private vehicles.

14,963 Buses to Operate During Festival Holidays

The Tamil Nadu Transport Department announced that a total of 14,963 buses would operate between October 15 and October 18, including 6,199 special buses in addition to regular services.

The Southern Railway also operated special passenger trains to destinations such as Madurai and Coimbatore. Unreserved coaches witnessed heavy passenger crowds as people rushed to reach their hometowns for the festivals.

On October 15, around 1.02 lakh passengers travelled on 2,546 buses operated by the Transport Department. Approximately one lakh passengers also travelled by train on the same day.

On October 16, more than 5,000 buses were operated, carrying around three lakh passengers. Meanwhile, over 1.5 lakh people travelled by train.

Overall, more than 8 lakh people travelled over the two days through government buses, trains, omni buses and private vehicles.

Action Against Omni Buses Charging Excess Fares

During the festive season, online booking websites and apps reportedly listed omni bus tickets at prices between ₹1,000 and ₹3,000 above the maximum fares prescribed by the government and the omni bus operators` association.

To prevent overcharging and other violations, transport officials conducted inspections across Tamil Nadu.

Over the past two days, officials inspected 1,222 omni buses. Inspection reports and electronic challans were issued to 207 buses for various violations.

Authorities collected ₹4,18,700 in fines and ₹68,500 as compounding fees. Four omni buses were also detained for overcharging and other offences.

The authorities stated that enforcement measures would continue against omni bus operators charging excessive fares, with the aim of protecting passengers during the festival holidays.