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For Pongal, Lesser crowds this time in buses and trains to southern places in TN
Posted on: 15/Jan/2021 9:02:10 AM
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to economic slowdown and many have lost their jobs are well known to us.
It is now clear that due to these reasons CMBT in Koyambedu witnessed a moderate crowd. The spirit of the Pongal festival seems to have dampened this year. In normal circumstances, CMBT would have seen many going to their native places to celebrate the Pongal festival.
On Tuesday, buses and trains that left Chennai to other places in TN got filled just a few minutes before the departure. Truth is that on Wednesday, the buses were operated with just 70% to 80% occupancy and this despite the TN government giving permission for 100% occupancy. It was pointed out that hundreds of tickets were available in the Pongal festival special trains that operated from Chennai to Madurai and to other places in southern TN.
It must be taken into account that private omni buses usually increase their bus fares by 200 to 300% during the Pongal festival season and they have increased the bus fares just 20 to 25 % this time. Amazing piece of information is that some private bus operators offered tickets to Madurai and Tirunelveli at a price less than that of train fares. According to a senior officer belonging to the state transport, the demand for the buses to southern districts in TN went down by 50percent whereas the demand for the buses to northern districts (Kancheepuram, Vellore, Arani , Hosur etc) was high.
It is true that after Covid-19 relaxations students and other working professionals have not returned to Chennai and this has led to the drop in patronage and revenue for the SETC and private omni buses. Information is that till 12th January the commuters were changed just 75% of the bus fares in the omni buses and later only the ticket prices increased.
