Chennai, Oct 19 (NationPress) As Diwali approaches, thousands of residents in Chennai began making their way home starting October 16, creating one of the most hectic travel periods of the year.

A significant migration was observed at bus terminals, train stations, and highways as individuals headed back to their hometowns to celebrate this joyous festival with their loved ones.

In anticipation of the surge, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) arranged an impressive total of 20,378 special bus services from Chennai to various districts across the state. Along with the regular fleet of 2,092 buses, an additional 2,834 special buses were deployed daily, facilitating the travel of thousands to the southern and western regions.

Recent statistics reveal that over the last three days, 6,15,992 passengers have utilized government buses departing from Chennai. On Saturday alone, 4,926 buses—comprising both standard and special services—transported approximately 2,56,152 passengers, as reported by the transport department.

Despite the extra services, many bus stations, including Koyambedu, Madhavaram, and Tambaram, were still overcrowded, with travelers waiting for hours to board.

The situation was similarly intense at Chennai Central, Egmore, and Tambaram railway stations, where all southbound trains were filled to capacity.

Trains heading to the southern districts were particularly crowded, with many passengers standing throughout their journeys. Railway officials indicated that most Deepavali special trains had been booked solid days in advance.

Meanwhile, the influx of private vehicles contributed to the congestion on major highways like GST Road. Long queues of cars crawled along, resembling a slow-moving parade stretching from Tambaram to Chengalpattu and beyond.

Toll booths at Paranur, Singaperumal Koil, and Perungalathur experienced delays exceeding an hour, with heavy traffic persisting late into the night.

According to transport department estimates, around 18 lakh people have already departed from Chennai to celebrate Deepavali in their hometowns. Of this number, 9.5 lakh traveled by train, 6.15 lakh by government buses, roughly two lakh by omnibuses, and approximately 1.5 lakh in private vehicles.

With so many leaving, Chennai appeared nearly deserted on Saturday evening—its normally bustling streets quiet as families gathered across Tamil Nadu to celebrate the festival of lights.