Tamil Nadu Mobilizes Over 34,000 Buses to Ensure Smooth Travel During Pongal Festival

Jan 2026 : As the Pongal festival approaches, Tamil Nadu Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar has announced a comprehensive plan to manage the expected surge in passenger traffic across the state. The initiative includes the deployment of thousands of additional buses to ensure safe, hassle-free, and timely travel for festival-goers.

According to the Minister, 10,245 special buses will operate across Tamil Nadu between January 9 and January 14, supplementing the 12,552 buses that run daily. With this, a total of 34,087 buses will be on the roads during the festival period, marking one of the largest mobilizations of state transport resources in recent years.

The Transport Department estimates that nearly 11.35 lakh passengers will depart from Chennai alone to visit their native places for Pongal celebrations. Recognizing the heavy traffic expected on major arterial roads, commuters have been advised to use alternative routes such as the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) to minimize congestion and ensure smoother traffic flow.

To assist travelers, the government has set up a 24-hour control room, where officials will be on duty around the clock to respond to complaints, provide guidance, and resolve travel-related issues. The Minister emphasized that the department is committed to addressing passenger concerns promptly and maintaining orderly operations during this peak period.

In a strict warning to Omni bus operators, Sivasankar stated that any operator charging fares above the prescribed limit will face immediate action. Enforcement teams will be stationed at bus stands, check posts, and key transit points to monitor fare violations and prevent exploitation of passengers during the busy festival period.

The government has also devised a separate plan for managing the return journey to Chennai after Pongal festivities. A total of 6,820 special buses will operate in addition to 2,092 regular daily services, alongside the standard 12,552 buses, bringing the total number of buses for the return flow to 21,635. This arrangement is aimed at ensuring passengers can return safely and conveniently without unnecessary delays.

Providing a date-wise schedule of special buses, the Minister detailed: 1,050 buses on January 9, 1,030 on January 10, 255 on January 11, 2,200 on January 12, 2,790 on January 13, and 2,920 on January 14. These arrangements account for early departures by passengers eager to reach their hometowns ahead of the main Pongal celebrations.

Special bus operations will officially commence on January 9, and the Transport Department has assured that all logistics are in place for a safe, affordable, and convenient travel experience. With these extensive measures, the state government aims to facilitate seamless travel for millions of residents during one of the busiest festive seasons in Tamil Nadu.