Chennai, Jan 11 (NationPress) Approximately 1.4 million individuals are predicted to leave Chennai for their hometowns throughout Tamil Nadu to celebrate Pongal, which is among the state's most significant festivals. The state government has implemented extensive transport arrangements, an official reported on Saturday.
Around 14,100 government buses, 370 trains, 8,000 private bus trips, and countless private vehicles are anticipated to operate to accommodate the festive surge.
With the government declaring January 17 as a public holiday and two weekends coinciding with the official Pongal holidays from January 13 to 16, this year’s festival period extends to nine days.
The migration commenced on Friday, with over 1.3 million individuals expected to leave the city in the next four days, despite rising ticket prices across all transport modes.
For instance, a one-way journey to Coimbatore from Chennai on an air-conditioned private sleeper bus costs Rs 5,000 on Friday and Monday evenings.
In many instances, bus operators require full fare even if passengers disembark before reaching their destination.
For example, a bus destined for Thiruvananthapuram charges Rs 3,000, regardless of whether passengers get off in Salem or continue to the end point.
R. Perumal, an office-bearer of the Bus Owners’ Association, justified the high fares, stating, "People cannot expect us to charge the regular weekday fare of Rs 600 per head for buses to Coimbatore during peak festive seasons. The government should regulate fares to ensure fairness during such times."
K. Radhakrishnan, a private sector employee traveling with his wife and two daughters to Salem, criticized the operators for overcharging passengers.
"I had to pay Rs 3,000 per person for a bus heading to Kerala, even though we are disembarking in Salem," he mentioned.
The Tamil Nadu Transport Department has faced backlash for conducting limited inspections and taking little action against complaints of fare gouging.
To accommodate the festive demand, the Tamil Nadu Transport Department has organized special bus services from primary terminals in Chennai, including Chennai Moffusil Bus Terminus (CMBT) in Koyambedu, Madhavaram, and Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam.
From January 10 to 13, a total of 14,104 buses (including 2,092 regular services and 5,736 special services) will operate daily, with an additional 7,800 special services from other towns. This results in a total of 21,904 services during the four days leading up to Pongal, as stated by an official.
In a similar vein, from January 15 to 19, post-Pongal, 22,676 bus services will be available, consisting of 10,460 daily services and 5,290 special services from Chennai, along with 6,926 services from other towns. Special services will connect to destinations like Puducherry, Cuddalore, Tiruchy, Madurai, and Salem, among others.
Comparable arrangements are established at the Madhavaram and KCBT terminals, linking Chennai to cities throughout Tamil Nadu and neighboring states.
The authorities have advised travelers using personal vehicles to steer clear of congested routes such as Tambaram and Perungalathur. Alternative paths through Tirupporur, Chengalpattu, and Vandalur are recommended.
Additional police personnel will be stationed at toll plazas to facilitate smoother traffic, an official noted.
