Pongal Special Buses 2024: Details of Bus Terminals and Routes
Tamil Nadu is all set to enhance the upcoming Pongal festival experience with a robust network of Pongal special bus services, ensuring convenient and stress-free travel for residents and visitors alike.
Amidst the commencement of an indefinite strike by workers from various transport unions in Tamil Nadu, State Transport Minister SS Sivasankar reassured the public by announcing the operation of Pongal special buses.
These buses will be operational from January 12 to 14 across the state as well as for post-Pongal festivities from January 16 to 18.
Number of Pongal Special Buses for 2024
SS Sivasankar has disclosed that the Transport Department is set to provide over 37,000 Pongal special bus services, including special buses, during the festival.
Between January 12 and 14, a total of 19,484 buses from the five transport corporations, including the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), will be operational from the city and various parts of the State.
Subsequently, from January 16 to 18, 17,589 buses will facilitate the return of people to the city and other regions of the State.
SS Sivasankar further disclosed that long-distance buses will depart from six bus termini, including the recently inaugurated Kilambakkam bus terminus.
He shared this information during a press briefing at the Secretariat following a meeting with senior officials from the six State transport corporations, city police, and the Highways Department.
During the three days of January 12 to 14, in addition to the regular 2,100 daily buses from the city, 4,706 Pongal special buses will operate, covering a total of 8,478 buses between various destinations in the State.
For passengers returning to the city after celebrating Pongal in their hometowns, the Transport Department plans to run a total of 11,130 buses, inclusive of special buses, from various parts of the State.
Excluding Chennai, another 6,459 buses are scheduled to operate from January 16 to 18, connecting different parts of the State.
Details of Bus Terminals and Bus Routes
Key bus stands across Chennai that will facilitate the Pongal special buses to different destinations are as follows:
| Bus Stands | Bus Routes |
|---|---|
| Madhavaram New Bus Depot | To Andhra Pradesh via Ponneri, Kummidipoondi, Oothukottai, and Senggunram. |
| KK Nagar Bus Stand | Buses to Puducherry, Cuddalore, and Chidambaram via East Coast Road. |
| Sanatorium Bus Terminus | Buses towards Thindivanam, Vikravandi and Panruti. |
| Tambaram Railway Station Bus Stand | Bus to Kanchipuram, Vellore, and Arani via Oragadam. |
| Poonamallee Bypass Road Bus Stop | Buses to Hosur and Thiruttani via Arcot, Arani and Vellore. |
| Dr MGR Bus Terminus, Koyambedu | Buses bound for Bengaluru and south-bound buses to Tirunelveli, Karur, Thoothukudi, Kumbakonam, Villupuram, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Salem. |
| Kilambakkam Bus Terminus | SETC buses (for passengers who have pre-booked tickets online) and buses proceeding on GST Road towards Tiruchi, Thanjavur and Kumbakonam |
In a bid to enhance the overall travel experience for commuters traveling by the Pongal special buses, the Transport Department has taken a proactive step by inaugurating 11 special ticket counters at the following bus stands:
These counters aim to streamline the ticketing process, providing a convenient and efficient way for passengers to access bus services.
Pongal Special Buses Help Desk
A dedicated help center for complaint registration and bus schedule inquiries has also been announced. For all sorts of complaints and inquiries passengers can reach out at the contact numbers:
These helpline numbers will be accessible 24×7.
Minister SS Sivasankar’s Assurance
Tamil Nadu State Transport Minister SS Sivasankar has assured the public that a sufficient number of Pongal special buses will operate with the necessary staff during the festive season.
This commitment aims to eliminate concerns about potential transport worker strikes, ensuring a smooth travel experience for the public during the Pongal festival.
