Chennai: State Transport Undertakings (STUs) across Tamil Nadu scaled up operations by 38 per cent over the Vinayaka Chathurthi long weekend, deploying 4,629 scheduled and special buses on September 11 and 12. This represents an addition of 1,266 vehicles compared to the 3,313 buses run during the equivalent festive period in 2025, a boost largely driven by the holiday falling alongside the weekend rather than mid-week as it did last year.

Despite the expanded public fleet, transit was marred by sharp price hikes from private omni bus operators, which triggered widespread public anger and political criticism. Outbound ticket prices from Chennai soared up to four times standard rates, with last-minute seats to destinations such as Madurai reaching up to Rs 4,000 for commuters unable to secure government bus or train reservations.

Regional state bus networks expanded hugely to handle the extra volume.

  • Villupuram (VPM): Logged 2,223 bus operations, up 39 per cent from 2025.
  • Tirunelveli (TNV): Recorded the highest proportional increase, surging 113 per cent year-on-year.
  • Kumbakonam (KUM): Expanded operations by 71 per cent.
  • Madurai (MDU): Increased services by 62 per cent.

To handle mounting crowds, authorities accelerated dispatches on September 12, putting 2,258 buses on the road by 2 pm, surpassing their full-day target of 2,169 operations.

However, political opposition mounted over private fare gouging. Political leaders, including PMK president Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, condemned the administration's delay in curbing high ticket prices.

In response to public complaints, state transport officials conducted weekend crackdowns, issuing fines to more than 400 omni buses found overcharging passengers.

PTI