CHENNAI: More than 9.6 lakh passengers travelled from Chennai and other parts of the State by government and omni buses ahead of the Pongal festival in 2026, as transport operators stepped up services to meet the festive rush.

According to Managing Director of the State Express Transport Corporation R. Mohan, special buses were operated by the Transport Department to facilitate public travel.

He said that as of midnight on January 13, 2,092 regular buses were operated as scheduled, in addition to 2,238 special buses.

In all, 4,390 buses were operated on the day, carrying 2,01,940 passengers.

Between January 9 and midnight on January 13, a total of 15,762 government buses were operated, enabling 6,90,720 passengers to travel. Of these, 2,73,152 passengers travelled after making advance reservations.

During the Pongal travel period, additional buses would continue to be operated based on public demand. Passengers were advised to plan their journeys in advance and make reservations to avoid last-minute rush, the official said.

Meanwhile, All Omni Bus Owners Association president A. Anbazhagan said that 2,72,850 passengers travelled in omni buses from Chennai to various parts of Tamil Nadu in view of the festival.

As of 5 p.m. on January 13, 49,200 passengers travelled in 1,230 buses on January 9, followed by 44,000 passengers in 1,100 buses on January 10.

On January 11, 47,250 passengers travelled in 1,180 buses, while 58,000 passengers travelled in 1,450 buses on January 12.

On January 13 alone, 74,400 passengers travelled in 1,860 omni buses, he said.