Ahead of the Pongal festival, Tamil Nadu Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar revealed plans for an elaborate travel setup in the state. A total of 10,245 special buses will be in operation from January 9 to January 14 to cater to the anticipated increase in passenger traffic during the festive period. This initiative, combined with the daily operation of 12,552 buses, will result in a total of 34,087 buses on the roads to facilitate smooth travel.
To accommodate the expected 11.35 lakh passengers traveling from Chennai to various parts of the state for Pongal celebrations, the Transport Department has advised commuters to consider alternative routes like the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) to alleviate congestion. Additionally, a 24-hour control room has been established to assist passengers, address complaints, and provide necessary guidance round the clock.
In a bid to prevent fare exploitation, the Minister issued a strict warning to Omni bus operators, emphasizing that stringent actions will be taken against those charging fares above the regulated limits. Enforcement teams will be stationed at bus stands, check posts, and key transit points to monitor fare violations and safeguard passengers’ interests during the peak travel season.
For the return journey post-Pongal festivities, the state government has devised a separate strategy to manage the expected rush. Alongside 2,092 daily services, 6,820 special buses will be deployed, making a total of 21,635 buses available to handle the influx of returning passengers. The Minister outlined a schedule for the special bus services, with varying numbers of buses operating each day from January 9 to January 14, ensuring a systematic and efficient travel experience for the public.
