Around 3.58 lakh people travelled to their hometowns across Tamil Nadu in special buses operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) over the three‑day Pongal festival period, officials said on Tuesday.
The department launched additional services to accommodate the surge in passengers during the harvest festival, ensuring smoother travel for families celebrating Pongal.
The transport department deployed extra buses on key routes connecting major cities, towns, and rural areas, including Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, and Salem. Officials reported that the special buses operated on a 24-hour schedule, with frequent departures to meet high demand. Safety measures, including crowd management and sanitation protocols, were strictly enforced across all stations and on-board vehicles. Passengers expressed satisfaction with the services, noting that the additional buses helped reduce overcrowding and facilitated timely travel.
Officials also highlighted that the TNSTC coordinated with local authorities to manage traffic congestion near bus terminals and ensure smooth boarding and disembarking of passengers. Priority services were provided for senior citizens, women, and differently-abled passengers, reflecting the department’s focus on accessibility and convenience. The initiative was part of the government’s larger effort to provide efficient and safe travel solutions during major festivals, demonstrating Tamil Nadu’s preparedness in handling the annual migration of citizens returning to their villages for family celebrations.
The successful operation of these special buses underscores the state transport department’s commitment to citizen-friendly services, ensuring that thousands of families could celebrate Pongal together without facing travel difficulties. Officials confirmed that feedback from passengers would be reviewed to further improve services for future festive periods.