Will Tamil Nadu Operate 10,245 Special Buses for Pongal Festival from January 9-14?
Synopsis
Tamil Nadu is gearing up for the Pongal festival by deploying over 10,000 special buses to facilitate smooth travels. With a robust plan in place, officials are determined to ensure that passengers have a seamless experience as they return home for the celebrations.
Key Takeaways
10,245 special buses will operate from January 9 to 14.
A total of 34,087 buses will be available during Pongal.
Alternative routes are recommended to avoid traffic jams.
A 24-hour control room will be operational for passenger assistance.
Strict action will be taken against fare violations.
Chennai, Jan 7 (NationPress) In preparation for the upcoming Pongal festival, Tamil Nadu's Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar has revealed a comprehensive travel plan designed to facilitate smooth and efficient passenger movement throughout the state.
According to an official announcement, a total of 10,245 special buses will be deployed statewide from January 9 to January 14 to accommodate the anticipated increase in passenger volume.
When added to the usual 12,552 buses that operate daily, this brings the total number of buses available during the festival to 34,087.
The Transport Department projects that around 11.35 lakh passengers will travel from Chennai to various locations across the state to celebrate Pongal with their families. Given the expected heavy traffic on key roads, travelers are advised to consider alternative routes like the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) to alleviate congestion and ensure smoother travel.
To support passengers and address any issues, a 24-hour control room has been established. The Minister confirmed that staff will be available around the clock to respond to travel-related concerns and provide assistance.
The Minister also cautioned private bus operators regarding fare regulations, warning that strict action will be taken against those charging above the set limits.
Monitoring teams will be stationed at bus stations, checkpoints, and crucial transit areas to oversee fare compliance and protect passengers from being overcharged during this peak travel period.
For the post-Pongal return journey to Chennai, a distinct strategy has been formulated to handle the expected influx of travelers.
An additional 6,820 special buses will run alongside 2,092 regular daily services. Including the standard 12,552 buses, a total of 21,635 buses will be operational to manage the return traffic.
Breaking down the special bus operations by date, the Minister shared that 1,050 buses will run on January 9, 1,030 buses on January 10, 255 buses on January 11, 2,200 buses on January 12, 2,790 buses on January 13, and 2,920 special buses on January 14.
The operations for special buses will start on January 9 to accommodate early travelers ahead of the main Pongal festivities. The Transport Department has assured that all necessary measures are in place for safe, economical, and convenient travel during this busy travel season.
Point of View
It's evident that the Tamil Nadu government is taking significant measures to ensure a well-organized travel experience during the Pongal festival. The deployment of thousands of additional buses reflects the state's commitment to facilitating smooth transportation for its citizens during a peak travel period.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many special buses will operate during Pongal?
A total of 10,245 special buses will be operated across Tamil Nadu from January 9 to January 14.
What should passengers do to avoid traffic congestion?
Passengers are advised to use alternative routes such as the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) to ease congestion.
Will there be monitoring for fare compliance?
Yes, enforcement teams will be deployed at bus stands and transit points to monitor fare compliance and prevent overcharging.
What plans are in place for the return journey after Pongal?
For the return journey, 6,820 special buses will be operated in addition to regular services to handle the anticipated rush.
How can passengers address their grievances during travel?
A 24-hour control room has been established to assist passengers and address travel-related complaints.
