Tamil New Year 2026 Travel: 2,119 Special Buses Announced Across Tamil Nadu
To manage the heavy passenger rush during the Tamil New Year (Puthandu) and consecutive weekend holidays, the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) has announced the operation of 2,119 special buses across Tamil Nadu.
Special Bus Services from Chennai & Key Cities
With increased travel demand expected, additional buses will be operated from major hubs including Kilambakkam, Koyambedu, and Madhavaram to various parts of the state.
From Chennai, special services will connect passengers to major destinations such as:
- Tirunelveli
- Tiruchirappalli (Trichy)
- Kumbakonam
- Madurai
- Nagercoil
- Kanniyakumari
- Thoothukudi
- Coimbatore
- Salem
- Erode
- Tiruppur
Date-wise Bus Operations
April 10, 2026 (Friday):
- 575 special buses from Kilambakkam
- 100 buses from Koyambedu
April 11, 2026 (Saturday):
- 395 special buses from Kilambakkam
- 90 buses from Koyambedu
Madhavaram Services:
- 24 buses will operate on both Friday and Saturday
- Return Travel Arrangements
To facilitate return journeys after the holidays:
- Around 200 special buses will operate from various locations
- On April 13 & April 14, 2026, additional buses will be deployed for passengers returning to Chennai and Bengaluru
Total Bus Deployment
Including outbound and return services, the transport department has planned:
- 735 additional buses for return travel
- Bringing the total number of special buses to 2,119
