Chennai Special Bus Services Shifted to Kilambakkam KCBT Platforms After Ayudha Pooja Rush

Special bus services operated for the Ayudha Pooja holidays have been shifted to regular platforms at the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam from Sunday, October 18, 2026, following a decline in the number of passengers travelling to their hometowns.

The revised arrangement aims to streamline bus operations and make boarding more convenient for passengers travelling from Chennai to various destinations across Tamil Nadu.

Kilambakkam KCBT Bus Platform Changes

As part of the revised arrangements, buses previously operated from temporary bus terminuses in Chennai will now depart from designated platforms at Kilambakkam KCBT.

Platform 7: Buses to Polur, Chetpet and Vandavasi via Tiruvannamalai. These services were previously operated from the temporary bus terminus at CMDA Climate Park.

Platform 5: Buses to Kumbakonam, Nagapattinam and Thanjavur. These services were previously operated from the temporary bus terminus at Maraimalai Nagar.

Special buses had been operated from five locations in Chennai, including Kilambakkam KCBT, Koyambedu, Madhavaram, CMDA Climate Park and Maraimalai Nagar, to accommodate the festive travel demand.

Passengers are advised to check their departure platforms before boarding and plan their journeys accordingly.

4.15 Lakh Passengers Travel During Ayudha Pooja Holidays

According to the Transport Department, approximately 4.15 lakh passengers travelled on regular and special buses from Chennai between October 15 and 17, 2026, during the three-day Ayudha Pooja holiday rush.

A total of 9,571 buses were operated to meet the increased travel demand. These included 6,573 regular buses and 2,998 special services.

Of the special buses, 2,528 were operated by State Transport Corporations, while 470 were operated by private operators.

Passengers Advised to Check Bus Departure Points

With the holiday travel rush gradually declining, the revised platform arrangements are intended to simplify bus operations at Kilambakkam. Passengers travelling to southern and other parts of Tamil Nadu should verify their bus departure points to avoid confusion and delays.