Diwali Special Buses 2026: Routes from Five Bus Terminals in Chennai

The Tamil Nadu Transport Department has announced special bus arrangements for Ayudha Pooja and Diwali 2026 to help passengers travel to their hometowns and reduce traffic congestion in Chennai. Special buses will operate from five locations across the city, with each bus terminal serving specific routes.

Ayudha Pooja special services are scheduled from October 15 to 18, 2026, while Diwali special services will run from November 5 to 7, 2026.

1. Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT), Kilambakkam

The main bus terminus at Kilambakkam will handle services to several southern and central districts, along with other destinations.

Routes: Puducherry, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Thoothukudi, Sengottai, Tirunelveli, Salem and Coimbatore.

2. Temporary Bus Stand Near Kilambakkam CMDA Climate Park

A temporary bus boarding point near the CMDA Climate Park has been arranged to help manage passenger crowds at the main Kilambakkam terminus.

Routes: Vandavasi, Polur and Tiruvannamalai.

3. Maraimalai Nagar Temporary Bus Stand

The temporary bus stand at Maraimalai Nagar will serve passengers travelling towards parts of the Cauvery delta region.

Routes: Kumbakonam, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam.

4. Chennai MGR Bus Terminus (CMBT), Koyambedu

Passengers travelling towards northern destinations and neighbouring areas can board buses at Koyambedu.

Routes: East Coast Road (ECR) destinations, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Bengaluru and Tiruttani.

5. Madhavaram New Bus Stand

Madhavaram will handle services towards northern Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Routes: Ponneri and Uthukottai, including services travelling towards Andhra Pradesh.

Regular buses to Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Kumbakonam and Tiruvannamalai will also continue to operate from Madhavaram.

Special Bus Services for Ayudha Pooja and Diwali

The Transport Department has announced additional services alongside regular buses to accommodate the festive travel rush.

Ayudha Pooja: A total of 14,963 buses are scheduled to operate from Chennai between October 15 and 18.

Diwali: A total of 15,659 buses are scheduled to operate from Chennai between November 5 and 7.

Additional services will also operate towards Chennai after the festivals to help passengers return from their hometowns.

Online Bus Booking and Special Counters

Passengers can plan their journeys and check ticket availability through the official government bus reservation website and mobile application. Special ticket booking counters are also planned at major terminals, including Kilambakkam, Koyambedu and Madhavaram.

Feeder Bus Services for Passengers

The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) will arrange connecting bus services to help passengers reach the designated boarding points from different parts of Chennai. These services are intended to make transfers to the special bus terminals more convenient during the festive period.

Passengers are advised to verify their boarding g location, route and departure time before travelling, as services operate from different terminals depending on the destination.