Tamil Nadu to run 14,963 buses for Ayudha Puja travel from October 15
From October 15–18, 8,764 regular and 6,199 special buses will operate from Chennai, with additional services arranged for the return journey.
AI-generated representative illustration; it does not depict the actual October 2026 bus operations. Created for MyNilgiris.
Summary: Tamil Nadu will operate 14,963 regular and special buses from Chennai between October 15 and 18 to manage the Ayudha Puja travel rush, according to the State transport arrangements announced on October 13.
Key details
- Ayudha Puja falls on October 19.
- The October 15–18 operation comprises 8,764 regular buses and 6,199 special buses, totalling 14,963.
- For the return rush, 9,191 buses—including 4,809 special services—will operate towards Chennai on October 20 and 21.
- Services for Coimbatore, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Tirunelveli and other southern and western destinations will leave from the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus at Kilambakkam.
- Fourteen reservation counters will operate at Kilambakkam, Koyambedu and Maraimalai Nagar. A 24-hour control room has been arranged at Kilambakkam.
For Deepavali, 15,659 buses are planned from November 5 to 7, followed by 11,197 return services on November 9 and 10.
Passengers can report excess fares charged by private omnibuses through the toll-free number 1800 425 6151 or WhatsApp number 93848 08333, Transport Minister A. Vijay Tamilan Parthiban said.
Sources
Verification: Independent reports by DT Next and The Times of India, both covering the transport minister’s October 13 announcement.
- DT Next — Almost 15,000 buses to ply from Chennai
- The Times of India — Tamil Nadu festival bus arrangements
Image disclosure: AI-generated representative illustration; it does not depict the actual October 2026 bus operations. Created for MyNilgiris.
