Chennai, Sept 15:
As the long Vinayagar Chaturthi holiday came to an end, thousands of people who had travelled to their native places across Tamil Nadu began returning to Chennai, resulting in a heavy rush at railway stations and bus terminals across the State and traffic-snarls on GST road.
Trains and government buses bound for Chennai were packed with passengers, with many services witnessing a surge in demand. Major routes from southern and western districts saw particularly heavy crowds as people rushed back ahead of the reopening of offices, schools and other institutions.
Passengers were seen waiting in large numbers at railway stations and bus stands, while unreserved coaches were packed. Several passengers preferred trains because of the relatively lower fares, while the State transport corporations operated additional services on routes where demand was high.
The rush was also reflected in the movement of buses towards Chennai from various parts of Tamil Nadu. Transport officials kept a watch on passenger demand and operated special buses wherever necessary to accommodate the returning crowds.