Chennai, Oct 7 (NationPress) In a significant initiative to facilitate smooth travel during Diwali, Transport and Electricity Minister S.S. Sivasankar declared that the state's transport corporations will operate 20,378 buses throughout Tamil Nadu from October 16 to 19 to manage the outbound festive rush.

This plan encompasses 14,268 services originating from Chennai alone, marking it as one of the most extensive festival transport undertakings in recent years.

During a review meeting at the Secretariat, Sivasankar mentioned that the Transport Department has reached out to Southern Railway, seeking additional special train services to support the expanded bus network.

“Approximately 5,900 special buses will leave from Chennai, alongside 2,092 regular services each day from October 16 to 19. An additional 6,110 special services will operate from other districts, bringing the total to 20,378 services,” he stated.

For the return journey post-Diwali, from October 21 to 23, a total of 15,129 buses will be deployed, including 4,253 special services heading to Chennai and 4,600 inter-district services to connect major towns and villages.

In anticipation of the surge from the state capital, special buses will depart from Kilambakkam, Koyambedu, and Madhavaram termini. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) will provide 150 round-the-clock link buses between Koyambedu and the other two hubs to ensure smooth passenger transit.

The minister has also instructed Highways Department officials to halt road maintenance on major routes, especially GST Road, during the festival week to prevent traffic congestion.

Authorities have been directed to restrict heavy vehicle movement on peak travel days.

The Transport Commissioner will convene a meeting with Omni bus operators and police officials to manage overcharging and enhance route coordination. Private buses have been enlisted to supplement the government fleet, following last year’s successful trial in the Villupuram region.

Given that the Diwali exodus typically leads to extensive queues and travel delays, the government's comprehensive strategy—integrating special buses, last-mile connectivity, traffic management, and collaboration with railways—is designed to ensure safer and quicker travel for millions of passengers returning home for the festivities.