The transport department in Chennai has announced a massive deployment of 14,508 buses, including special services, to facilitate passengers returning to the city and traveling to other towns over the weekend. This announcement comes after numerous struggles faced by commuters attempting to leave the city to cast their votes.
Details of the Bus Deployment
The total figure includes 4,339 additional services on top of the 10,169 buses that were operated for the outbound rush between April 21 and 23. The department aims to ease the return journey for voters who faced severe disruptions earlier.
Outbound Chaos Prompts Action
The decision follows widespread complaints about chaos at city bus terminuses, where inadequate services left hundreds stranded and uncertain of reaching home in time to vote. Despite the additional buses, many fear the journey back to the city could be just as chaotic.
"I will go to the bus stand early in the morning so I can catch the first bus. But after seeing videos of people waiting for hours at Kilambakkam bus terminus, I'm worried if I will get back to Chennai in time on Monday," said C Karthik, a college student from Ariyalur.
Alternative Arrangements by Commuters
Some have postponed their return journey altogether, worried about traffic congestion at the city's entry points and another round of overcrowded buses. "It took me six hours just to get out of Chennai and more than half a day to reach home. I decided to work from home and return next week," said H Chandran of Ramanathapuram.
On the night of April 22 and the following morning, chaos prevailed at Kilambakkam and Koyambedu bus terminuses as passengers struggled to find buses despite the government's promise of special services. Several commuters ended up clinging to trucks, sharing rides with strangers, or paying heavy fares for last-minute private transport just to make it home. Others gave up and returned without boarding a bus.
Schedule for Return Rush
For the return rush, the transport department has outlined a detailed schedule: On April 25, 1,295 additional buses and 2,500 special buses will be operated along with 2,092 regular services. On April 26, another 3,184 special buses to Chennai and 3,345 special buses to other destinations will be run in addition to the regular services.
These measures are intended to prevent a repeat of the outbound chaos and ensure voters can return smoothly.
