Diwali Travel Rush: Advance Bookings For Govt Buses From Chennai Break All Records

Tamil Nadu Transport Minister SS Sivasankar said that the state had witnessed a notable increase in advance bookings for government buses compared to the previous year.

Amidst the festive fervor of Diwali, Tamil Nadu Transport Minister SS Sivasankar took stock of the preparations for the anticipated surge in travel from Chennai for the long festival weekend at Chennai Koyambedu bus terminal on Friday. The Minister said that the state had witnessed a notable increase in advance bookings for government buses compared to the previous year.

Taking to X, Tamil Nadu Transport Minister SS Sivasankar said, "As per Chief Minister's advise, I came and inspected special busses from Chennai Koyambedu bus terminal...Last year 68 thousand passengers made advance bookings from Chennai and this year 86 thousand have made advance bookings so far. Advance booking for government buses has increased from last year..."

 

 

Tamil Nadu transport department planned to run over 17,000 buses throughout the state for Diwali between November 9 and 11, as well as from November 13 to 15. In order to facilitate passenger boarding in Tambaram and Perungalathur, local government buses will run from Koyambedu bus stand via Poonamalle, Nazrethpet, Outer Ring Road, and Vandalur to the temporary bus stand at Kilambakkam. It is advisable for those using their personal vehicles to refrain from using the Tambaram-Perungalathur route during these three days.

The state transport department has provided round-the-clock helpline numbers, namely 9445014450 or 9445014436, for passengers to address inquiries and register complaints. If passengers encounter issues such as overcharging by private operators, they can report complaints through toll-free numbers 1800 425 6151, as well as 044-24749002, 044-26280445, and 044-26281611, according to a report on The New Indian Express.