Tamil Nadu bus services recorded a 38 per cent increase in deployments during the Vinayagar Chathurthi travel rush, with state transport undertakings operating 4,629 scheduled and special buses on September 11 and 12 as private omni-bus fares rose sharply on several routes.
The state-run transport corporations deployed 1,266 more buses than during the corresponding festive period in 2025, when 3,313 vehicles were operated. The increase was intended to manage the movement of passengers leaving Chennai and other urban centres for destinations across Tamil Nadu during the holiday weekend.
The Villupuram division recorded the highest volume, with 2,223 bus operations over the two days, a 39 per cent increase from the previous year. Routes towards southern Tamil Nadu saw some of the largest proportional increases. Services to Tirunelveli rose by 113 per cent, while operations towards Madurai increased by 62 per cent. The Kumbakonam division expanded its deployment by 71 per cent.
Transport authorities also accelerated dispatches as passenger demand increased. By 2 pm on September 12, state transport undertakings had dispatched 2,258 buses across Tamil Nadu, exceeding the planned full-day target of 2,169 operations, according to the operational data cited in the report.
The additional state capacity came amid complaints about steep fares charged by private omni-bus operators. Ahead of the long weekend, fares from Chennai to several destinations reportedly increased by as much as four times. Last-minute tickets to Madurai were reported to have reached Rs 4,000, affecting passengers who could not obtain seats on state buses or trains.
The fare increases prompted criticism from opposition parties, including the PMK and BJP, which called for government intervention. PMK president Dr Anbumani Ramadoss questioned the administration’s response and accused private operators of exploiting festive demand. The allegations and political criticism were directed at fare levels during the peak travel period.
Transport authorities subsequently began inspections over the weekend. More than 400 omni buses were fined for overcharging passengers during the rush, according to the report. The enforcement action followed the complaints over private fares, while state transport corporations continued additional operations to handle demand on the festival routes.
