Chennai Deepavali Special Buses 2026: 1.4 Lakh Passengers Travel on Day 1

Around 1.40 lakh passengers travelled from Chennai on Thursday, November 5, the first day of the Tamil Nadu government`s three-day Deepavali special bus operations. The Transport Department operated thousands of additional buses to manage the festive rush and help passengers reach their hometowns ahead of Deepavali.

According to the Tamil Nadu Transport Department, a total of 3,209 buses operated from Chennai until midnight on Thursday. These included 2,191 regular services and 1,018 special buses. Of the special services, 862 were operated by government transport corporations and 156 by private operators.

Tamil Nadu Plans 15,659 Buses for Deepavali

To accommodate the increased demand for festival travel, the Tamil Nadu government has planned to operate 15,659 buses between November 5 and 7, 2026.

The arrangements include 6,573 regular bus services and 9,086 special services. Of the special buses, 7,427 will be operated by government transport corporations, while 1,659 will be provided by private operators.

Deepavali Special Bus Schedule for November 6 and 7

The Transport Department has scheduled additional services for Friday and Saturday to help passengers travel comfortably to their hometowns.

Friday, November 6: A total of 5,431 buses will operate, including 2,191 regular services and 3,240 special buses.

Saturday, November 7: A total of 5,167 buses are scheduled, comprising 2,191 regular services and 2,976 special buses.

Five Locations for Boarding Deepavali Special Buses in Chennai

Passengers travelling from Chennai to different parts of Tamil Nadu can board Deepavali special buses from five designated locations:

1. Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT), Kilambakkam

2. Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MGR Bus Terminus, Koyambedu

3. Madhavaram New Bus Terminus

4. CMDA Kalaignar Centenary Temporary Bus Terminus

5. Maraimalai Nagar Temporary Bus Terminus

Transport Department Makes Special Arrangements for Festive Travel

The additional bus services aim to reduce overcrowding at major bus terminals and provide convenient transportation for passengers travelling to their native places for Deepavali celebrations.

With around 1.40 lakh passengers travelling on the first day, the special bus operations are expected to play an important role in managing the festive travel rush from Chennai.

Passengers are advised to check their ticket details, boarding points and departure timings before arriving at their designated bus terminals.