How is Chennai Managing Ayudha Puja Rush with Over 1,000 Special Buses and Extra Trains?
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Synopsis
Chennai is bracing for a significant travel rush as Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami approach. With over 1,000 special buses and additional train services being deployed, state authorities are taking steps to manage the influx of travelers effectively. Read on to find out how they are preparing for this busy festive season.
Key Takeaways
- Over 1,000 special buses are deployed for Ayudha Puja.
- Extra train services are provided by Southern Railway.
- Authorities encourage early travel planning.
- Traffic advisories are in place to manage congestion.
- Special routes have been established to avoid bottlenecks.
Chennai, Sep 30 (NationPress) As Tamil Nadu prepares for Ayudha Puja on Wednesday and Vijayadashami on Thursday, followed by an extended weekend, a significant number of individuals are expected to travel from Chennai to their hometowns and popular tourist spots. To accommodate this surge, the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) has rolled out an extensive holiday transport initiative, introducing over 1,000 special buses and additional train services commencing Tuesday.
Officials have confirmed that 885 special buses will operate from Chennai’s Kilambakkam bus terminal to major southern and western regions, including Tiruvannamalai, Trichy, Kumbakonam, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Coimbatore, Salem, Tiruppur, and Erode.
Moreover, an additional 185 special buses will depart from Chennai’s Koyambedu terminal to Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Velankanni, Hosur, and Bengaluru.
To facilitate inter-district travel, around 300 special services will also operate from Bengaluru, Tiruppur, Erode, and Coimbatore to various destinations throughout Tamil Nadu.
The Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar personally inspected the Kilambakkam terminal to ensure efficient operations and confirmed that new temporary routes have been established to prevent congestion caused by ongoing flyover and road expansion projects at Bukkathurai and Pathalam Road Junction in the Chengalpattu district.
To minimize traffic congestion, district police have advised travelers heading south from Chennai to utilize the East Coast Road (ECR) and the Outer Ring Road (GWT Road).
Vehicles departing from southern Chennai have been instructed to take the route via Melavalampettai and Thirukazhukundram before rejoining the GST Road. Heavy vehicles destined for southern districts are directed to use the Chengalpattu–Kancheepuram bypass to Tindivanam, while those traveling west should adhere to the Outer Ring Road. Notably, heavy vehicles will be prohibited on the Chengalpattu stretch from 2 p.m. Tuesday until 3 a.m. Wednesday.
In addition, the Southern Railway has announced special trains to manage the influx of festive travelers. A special unreserved train from Tambaram to Sengottai will depart on Tuesday at 4:15 p.m., arriving in Sengottai at 3 a.m. Wednesday, via Villupuram, Ariyalur, Trichy, and Madurai.
Another special train is scheduled to leave Chennai Egmore at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday for Thiruvananthapuram North, arriving at 2:05 p.m. Wednesday. A return service will operate on October 5. An unreserved MEMU express from Egmore to Madurai will depart on Tuesday at 11:45 p.m., arriving in Madurai at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday.
Authorities have encouraged passengers to plan their journeys in advance, use designated terminals, and adhere to diversions to avoid delays during the busy holiday period.
Point of View
The effective management of travel logistics in Chennai stands as a testament to the preparedness of local authorities. The deployment of special buses and trains showcases the proactive measures taken to enhance the travel experience during peak holiday seasons. Ensuring smooth transport operations reflects a commitment to public service and community well-being.
NationPress
30/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many special buses are being deployed?
Over 1,000 special buses are being deployed by the State Express Transport Corporation to manage the festive rush.
What routes will the special buses cover?
The special buses will operate from Chennai’s Kilambakkam and Koyambedu terminals to various key districts in Tamil Nadu.
Are there any special train services available?
Yes, the Southern Railway has announced special train services to accommodate the increased passenger volume.
What should travelers consider during this period?
Travelers should plan their journeys in advance, use the designated terminals, and adhere to traffic diversions for a smoother experience.
What are the traffic advisories for heavy vehicles?
Heavy vehicles will be restricted on the Chengalpattu stretch from 2 p.m. Tuesday until 3 a.m. Wednesday to ease congestion.
