Pongal special: Govt bus tickets can be booked via private sites

“In addition to the www.tnstc.in website, the passengers can use www.redbus.in, www.paytm.com and www.busindia.com to book their bus tickets,” a Transport Department press release said.

“As many as 5,163 special buses would be operated from Chennai to other parts of the state from January 11 to January 14 apart from 2,275 regular buses. In total, 14, 263 services would cater to Pongal revellers, who have plans to visit their native districts from Chennai. Moreover, 10, 445 services would ply between districts,” the statement said, adding, “From January 17 to 20, 3,776 buses will ply from other districts to Chennai and 7,841 will operate between districts post Pongal.”

Apart from allowing bookings through private players, 30 ticket booking counters would function at Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MGR Bus Terminus (CMBT), Tambaram Sanatorium bus stand, Poonamallee bus stand, Madhavaram new bus stand between January 9 and 14. As a temporary arrangement, all buses plying to Pondicherry, Cuddalore, Chidambaram (ECR route) will leave from KK Nagar MTC bus depot. Passengers travelling to Kumbakonam, Thanjavur via Vikkravandi and Panruti should board buses from Tambaram Anna bus stand at Sanatorium. Buses plying towards Andhra Pradesh will leave from Madhavaram new bus stand.

Vellore, Arani, Arcot, Thirupattur, Kancheepuram, Cheyyar and Hosur buses will leave from Poonamallee bus stand. Buses to other places including Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli, Madurai will leave from Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MGR Bus Terminus (CMBT). The Transport Department has also planned traffic diversion from January 11 to 14. Last Pongal, more than 4.92 lakh passengers travelled in government buses.