11,983 special buses to be operated for Pongal fest

Addressing the media at Pallavan House, the Minister said, “To avoid traffic congestion and save time for the commuters, it has been decided to operate buses from different destinations from within the city. Such a move on an earlier occasion received good response from the public. Similarly, for Pongal festival, buses will be operated from different points, which will be set up on January 11, 12

and 13.”

The minister said that in an effort to reduce the traffic congestion at the CMBT and within the city, five temporary bus stands will be established at Tambaram, Tambaram Sanatorium (MEPZ), Anna Nagar(West), Poonamallee and Saidapet.

Moreover, to make the reservation easy for the public, a total of 26 special reservation counters will be opened at CMBT bus stand, two at Tambaram Sanatorium and one at Poonamalle bus stand.

All the 29 special reservation counters will start functioning from January 9.

When asked about MTC’s additional services, the minister replied, “A total of 5,158 buses will be operated as feeder services to these four temporary bus stands for the convenience of passengers.”

The minister warned of stern action against private buses, which collect extra fare and the transport department will form a team under Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) to monitor such irregularities.

The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) and Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) bound for Andhra will be operated from Anna Nagar (West) MTC bus terminus, while buses bound for Puducherry, Cuddalore and Chidambaram via East Coast Road, will depart from Saidapet court bus stop.