Watch How Cyclone Michaung is Affecting Bus Services in Tamil Nadu
Cyclone Michaung is affecting bus services in Tamil Nadu, creating chaos with waterlogged roads, cancellations, and delays, disrupting the lives of millions.
Cyclone Michaung’s onslaught has left a profound impact on Tamil Nadu, particularly on its vital bus services.
Cyclone Michaung is affecting bus services in Tamil Nadu, creating chaos with waterlogged roads, cancellations, and delays, disrupting the lives of millions.
Despite the cyclone’s gradual weakening, the aftermath of heavy rains and flash floods continues to wreak havoc on travel plans, creating chaos and inconvenience for millions relying on public transportation.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Heavy rainfall in Chennai causes massive waterlogging in parts of the city.
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2023
(Visuals from Vadapalani and Arumbakkam areas of the city) pic.twitter.com/xvmB35Vu47
How Cyclone Michaung is Affecting Bus Services
In the wake of the cyclone, bus routes across Tamil Nadu, especially in coastal districts, resemble challenging obstacle courses rather than efficient thoroughfares.
Waterlogged roads and debris-laden paths have prompted cancellations and diversions, causing significant disruptions and leaving passengers stranded with schedules in disarray.
Even operational buses are navigating through the chaos at a snail’s pace, resulting in agonizingly long travel times.
People alight from MTC buses onto inundated roads as Chennai faced the brunt of Cyclone Michaung. @businessline #CycloneMichaung #ChennaiFloods @chennaicorp pic.twitter.com/iaERdife3E
— Bijoy Ghosh (@bijoyghosh70) December 4, 2023
Critical Bus Terminals Affected
Major bus terminals, including Vadapalani in Chennai, find themselves partially submerged, resembling temporary lakes instead of bustling hubs.
This dire situation has paralyzed bus operations, leaving passengers stuck and struggling to connect within the state and to other destinations.
Visuals from Chennai Kilampakkam bus terminal. #CycloneMichaung #ChennaiFloods #ChennaiRain #ChennaiRains #India #Cyclone #Michaungpic.twitter.com/FfjQEWTbKQ
— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) December 4, 2023
Stranded Passengers and Commuting Woes
Passengers traveling from Perungalathur and Tambaram to attend functions or reach various districts are facing considerable challenges.
Broken bus shelters and construction-induced inconveniences force passengers to wait under flyovers, adding to the difficulties.
Within the city, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus services have been hampered, with around 400 buses unable to operate due to the rain, and one-third of the fleet experiencing delays ranging from 10 to 50 minutes.
Traveling in TNSTC Bus is Amazing.
— Jaya Priya (@jayapri33) December 4, 2023
Stay Safe, Stay at Home. #CycloneMichuang's#ChennaiFloods #ChennaiRains #IndianNavyDay_2023 #Cyclone#Flooding in #Chennai#ChennaiRains #ChennaiCorporation #ChennaiAirport#ChennaiRain #Cyclone #CycloneAlert #Michaung #MichaungStorm pic.twitter.com/Y8VoClhYSH
Impact on Inter-city/Inter-State Bus Services
The Cyclone Michaung has also affected intercity and inter-state bus services. Because of the torrential rain, bus services from neighboring states have been suspended as well.
The Puducherry Road Transport Corporation has taken a precautionary step by suspending all bus services between Puducherry and Chennai.
Continuous heavy rains and strong winds have made conditions perilous, especially on major routes like the ECR and bypass roads, compelling the suspension until further notice.
#ChennaiRains
— ANIRUDH (@ani_rangan) December 2, 2023
Welcoming Cyclone Michaung 🌀#CycloneMichaung🌪️🌀🌀🌪️
North East Monsoon 2023..
Very Heavy downpour in Chennai..
Rain water leaking inside MTC bus @MtcChennai @UpdatesChennai @ChennaiRains @RainStorm_TN @PTTVOnlineNews @ThanthiTV @polimernews ⛈️☔⛈️ pic.twitter.com/7HPYvLZLtm
TNSTC and SETC Buses Between Chennai and Tiruchi Affected
Amidst the torrential rains caused by cyclone Michaung in Chennai and its suburbs, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) have restricted their daytime bus services from Tiruchi to Chennai on Monday.
This decision has been made considering the current situation, with Chennai’s thoroughfares experiencing flooding.
TNSTC and SETC buses bound for Chennai during the daytime from Tiruchi have been advised to take the Maduravoyal route instead of the Tambaram route to reach Koyambedu, according to senior officials from both transport corporations.
Ripple Effects on Passengers and Businesses
Beyond inconveniencing passengers already grappling with the storm’s aftermath, this disruption has far-reaching effects.
Businesses, reliant on efficient bus networks for the transportation of goods and personnel, are facing additional challenges.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Pazhavanthangal Subway, in Chennai shuts down due to waterlogging. pic.twitter.com/WrFckIEG2X
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2023
The economic impact on bus operators is concerning, with canceled routes and reduced ridership significantly impacting their revenue streams. The added burden of repairs and recovery costs further compounds their woes.
The aftermath of Cyclone Michaung continues to create significant hurdles for Tamil Nadu’s bus services. Stranded passengers, delayed operations, and economic setbacks for bus operators underscore the broader challenges faced by the state’s public transportation system in the wake of this natural disaster.
The path to recovery will require concerted efforts to restore normalcy and fortify the resilience of Tamil Nadu’s vital bus services against future adversities.
