Chennai Deepavali Special Buses: 15,659 Services to Operate from November 5 to 7

The Tamil Nadu government has announced 15,659 bus services, including 9,086 special buses, to manage the Deepavali travel rush from Chennai between November 5 and 7.

Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban announced the arrangements on Wednesday after reviewing preparations with officials from the Transport Department and other agencies.

The services will include 6,573 regular buses and 9,086 special buses to help thousands of passengers travel to their hometowns for the festival.

Return Journey: 11,197 Buses on November 9 and 10

The government has also planned 11,197 bus services for passengers returning to Chennai on November 9 and 10. These will comprise 4,382 regular buses and 6,815 special buses.

Chennai Deepavali Special Bus Terminals and Routes

To streamline passenger movement, buses will operate from five locations in and around Chennai.

Alternative Routes to Avoid Traffic Congestion

Motorists travelling from Chennai to their hometowns have been advised to avoid the congested Tambaram-Perungalathur stretch.

Instead, they can use either of the following routes:

OMR – Kelambakkam – Tiruporur – Chengalpattu

Vandalur Outer Ring Road – Kelambakkam – Tiruporur – Chengalpattu

Ticket Booking and Reservation Counters

A total of 14 reservation counters will operate at three locations:

- 10 counters at KCBT, Kilambakkam

- Two counters at Koyambedu

- Two counters at the temporary terminus in Maraimalai Nagar

Passengers can also book tickets through the TNSTC mobile application and the official website, www.tnstc.in.

Direct buses will operate from 16 locations across Chennai for passengers with pre-booked tickets.

16 Boarding Points for Pre-Booked Passengers

To reduce congestion at KCBT, the Transport Department has introduced 16 boarding points across Chennai for passengers who have booked tickets through the official application.

The boarding points are:

Tiruvanmiyur, Avadi, Tambaram, Tiruvottiyur, Siruseri, Adyar, Broadway, Egmore, Ambattur, Taramani, Island Grounds, Guindy, Velachery, Ashok Pillar, Poonamallee and Saidapet.

Passenger Assistance and Safety Measures

The Transport Department has established a 24-hour control room to address passenger complaints and provide information about government bus services. A separate round-the-clock control room will also operate at KCBT.

Information centres, electronic display boards and public address systems will guide passengers on routes, departure timings and platforms.

Additional CCTV cameras will be installed at bus terminals, with officials from the police, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and Transport Department monitoring passenger movement. Temporary mobile communication towers will also be set up to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

The government has requested the Railways to operate additional suburban electric trains and special trains to Coimbatore, the southern districts and the Cauvery delta region.

The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) will operate free connecting buses between KCBT and the temporary terminus at Maraimalai Nagar. Round-the-clock connecting services will also operate between Koyambedu and KCBT.

Omni Bus Operators Warned Against Excess Fares

Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban has instructed omni bus operators not to charge fares above the prescribed rates. Operators have also been advised about designated operating locations in Chennai.

The minister warned that strict action would be taken against operators who violate the instructions.

Deepavali Bus Helpline Numbers

Passengers can contact the following numbers for assistance and complaints:

- 94450 14436

Toll-free: 149

Toll-free: 1800 425 6151

WhatsApp: 93848 08333