Chennai, Nov 6:
Over two lakh commuters departed Chennai aboard government and contract express buses on Thursday as the festive rush reached its peak ahead of Deepavali celebrations on November 8.
To prevent overcrowding and ensure hassle-free travel, transport authorities operated special services across five designated city boarding hubs: Kilambakkam (KCBT), Koyambedu, Madhavaram, Maraimalai Nagar temporary terminus, and the satellite bus bay at the CMDA Climate Park. Transport Minister Vijay Tamilan Parthiban conducted midnight inspections across boarding terminals to review arrangements, drinking water supply, and queue management.
According to transport department figures, while 2,191 regular services and 2,870 specials were scheduled, authorities pressed 3,209 buses—including 1,018 additional special runs—into operation to accommodate surging footfalls. Over 1.4 lakh passengers travelled on government transport corporation buses alone by midnight, with passenger movements continuing at brisk volumes through Friday.