Diwali 2025: Tamil Nadu’s Massive Festival Transport Plan
The Government of Tamil Nadu has announced the operation of 20,378 special buses across the state to help lakhs of people reach their hometowns for Diwali 2025.
The initiative, under the direction of Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin, is coordinated by Transport and Electricity Minister Thiru S.S. Sivasankar, with buses operated by TNSTC and SETC.
Bus Operation Schedule
Outbound Journeys (From Chennai to Other Districts)
Dates: 16 October 2025 to 19 October 2025
| Date | Regular Buses | Special Buses | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16.10.2025 | 2,092 | 760 | 2,852 |
| 17.10.2025 | 2,092 | 2,165 | 4,257 |
| 18.10.2025 | 2,092 | 1,935 | 4,027 |
| 19.10.2025 | 2,092 | 1,040 | 3,132 |
| Total | 8,368 | 5,900 | 14,268 |
Return Journeys (From Other Districts to Chennai)
Dates: 21 October 2025 to 23 October 2025
| Date | Regular Buses | Special Buses | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.10.2025 | 2,092 | 2,048 | 4,140 |
| 22.10.2025 | 2,092 | 2,392 | 4,484 |
| 23.10.2025 | 2,092 | 813 | 2,905 |
| Total | 6,276 | 4,253 | 8,853 |
Boarding Points in Chennai
To reduce congestion, passengers can board from multiple points across the city.
| Boarding Point | Destinations Covered |
|---|---|
| Koyambedu (KCBT) | Salem, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Madurai, Erode |
| Tambaram – Perungalathur – Meenambakkam – ECR | Puducherry, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam |
| Madhavaram | Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Thirupathi, Arcot |
Temporary Bus Terminals:
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10 near Koyambedu
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2 near Tambaram (MEPS School Ground)
Passenger Assistance and Ticket Booking
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Online Booking: www.tnstc.in
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Helpline Numbers:
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Toll-Free: 1800 425 6151
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Chennai: 044-24749002 / 044-26280445 / 044-26281611
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“May I Help You” counters will be active at major bus stations
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Control rooms will function 24×7 for passenger assistance
Traffic and Vehicle Diversions
Private car and two-wheeler users are requested to take alternate routes such as:
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Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR)
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East Coast Road (ECR)
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Vandalur Outer Ring Road
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Thiruporur and Thiruvanmiyur routes
The Chennai Traffic Police will monitor traffic and announce diversions in real-time during the festive period.
Government Coordination
The operation is managed jointly by:
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Transport Department officials
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TNSTC and SETC Chairmen
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CMDA and City Police departments
The coordination ensures punctual service, safety, and smooth crowd management at all major bus terminals.
Public Advisory
Passengers are advised to:
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Book tickets in advance through official portals only
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Arrive early at boarding points to avoid congestion
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Follow guidance from transport and police personnel
With over 20,000 special buses planned across Tamil Nadu, the 2025 Diwali travel period is expected to be smoother and safer for all passengers.
For more information visit www.mytnstc.com/blog
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