CHENNAI: More than 10.25 lakh passengers travelled from Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu by government and omnibuses ahead of the Pongal festival in 2026, as transport operators stepped up services to meet the festive rush.
According to R Mohan, MD of the State Express Transport Corporation, special buses were operated by the transport department to facilitate public travel.
As of midnight on January 13, around 2,092 regular buses were operating as scheduled, in addition to 2,238 special buses. In all, 4,390 buses were operated on the day, carrying 2,01,940 passengers
R Mohan
Between January 9 and 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.
“Additional buses will continue to be operated during the Pongal travel period based on public demand,” he stated. “Passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance to avoid last-minute rush.”
Transport Minister SS Sivasankar inspected the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus on Tuesday night to review arrangements made for the Pongal festival rush. For the complaints against omnibuses, Sivasankar said, “Nine special inspection teams have formed in Chennai, and 36 teams are functioning across TN to monitor and curb the collection of excess fares. Based on complaints received so far, action has been initiated against 30 omnibuses in Chennai for overcharging passengers. Inspections will continue.”
Meanwhile, All Omni Bus Owners Association president A Anbazhagan said that over 3.35 lakh passengers travelled in omnibuses from Chennai to various parts of TN for the festival, as of 5 pm on January 14.
“On January 9, 49,200 passengers travelled in 1,230 omni buses, followed by 44,000 passengers in 1,100 buses the next day. 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, 76,000 passengers travelled in 1,890 buses, and on January 14, there were 60,700 passengers in 1,520 omni buses,” he explained.
The association said that demand had remained steady throughout the festive period, with services operated continuously to ensure smooth travel for passengers.