Chennai is gearing up for one of the biggest religious celebrations of the year as Maha Shivratri approaches on Sunday. Anticipating a massive influx of devotees heading to temples across Tamil Nadu and neighboring regions, the state transport authorities have announced the deployment of 1,240 special buses from Chennai. This proactive measure aims to ensure smooth travel for thousands of pilgrims without the usual festival chaos.
The decision comes in response to expected heavy demand, with devotees planning visits to key shrines like Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchi, Kumbakonam, Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Nagercoil. Primarily operating from the Koyambedu and Kilambakkam bus terminals, these services will cater to both intra-state and inter-state travelers. Officials from the Rapid Transport Corporation revealed that 125 special buses will depart solely from Kilambakkam, targeting peak festival destinations.
To manage the surge effectively, the schedule ramps up over the next two days: 500 buses on Friday and 550 on Saturday. This strategic increase is designed to handle the crescendo of crowds just before the holy night. Additional services from Koyambedu will connect to popular spots like Nagapattinam, Velankanni, Hosur, and Bengaluru, providing relief for pilgrims and urban commuters alike.
Enhancing connectivity further, the Express Transport Corporation has arranged 100 daily special buses linking Bengaluru, Tiruppur, Erode, and Coimbatore with various parts of the state. From Madhavaram, 20 buses each day will ferry passengers to southern districts. These initiatives not only alleviate pressure on regular routes but also prioritize safety and speed during the festivities.
Post-festival plans are equally robust, with return services from multiple cities back to Chennai and Bengaluru. Directors of state transport firms emphasized flexibility, promising more buses if demand spikes. As temples and hometowns brace for huge gatherings, these special operations are set to transform travel experiences, allowing devotees to focus on devotion rather than logistics. This comprehensive transport blitz underscores Tamil Nadu’s commitment to seamless celebrations.