Special Bus Service
Special bus services in Tamil Nadu are crucial for accommodating the heightened demand for public transportation during festivals, holidays, and other important events. Referred to as “Sirappu Perundhugal” in Tamil, these buses are managed by different divisions of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC). Their main goal is to provide seamless and convenient travel for the public, particularly during times when standard bus services are insufficient to handle the large number of passengers.
Each year, special buses are deployed during significant festivals such as Pongal, Deepavali, Christmas, New Year, Ramzan, and local temple celebrations. These services facilitate travel for individuals from urban areas like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Salem, and other cities back to their hometowns and villages. The Tamil Nadu government ensures that the public transport system operates effectively during these peak periods, allowing passengers to avoid relying on costly private transportation options.
During these occasions, thousands of special buses are dispatched from major hubs such as Chennai’s Koyambedu (CMBT), Madhavaram, Tambaram, and Poonamallee to various regions across the state. Additional buses are also provided from other significant cities and towns based on public demand. The services typically commence a few days prior to the festival and continue for several days afterward, accommodating both outbound and return trips.
To facilitate smooth travel, the Tamil Nadu government establishes temporary bus stands and ticket counters during the operation of special buses. For instance, during Deepavali, specific bus terminals are created at multiple locations in Chennai to alleviate congestion at CMBT. These temporary facilities include ticket counters, passenger amenities, drinking water, restrooms, medical assistance, and help desks to assist travelers.
Special bus services are typically announced ahead of time via newspapers, official government websites, social media channels, and television news. Information regarding bus routes, the number of trips, fare structures, and reservation options is provided to assist individuals in planning their travels. Online ticket booking is accessible through the TNSTC and SETC websites (www.tnstc.in) as well as other authorized platforms such as RedBus and Paytm. This allows passengers to secure their seats in advance and avoid the last-minute rush.
The categories of buses utilized for special services encompass ordinary, express, deluxe, ultra-deluxe, and air-conditioned coaches. Additionally, SETC operates sleeper buses on long-distance routes. While the fares for these special buses may be marginally higher than those of regular services, they remain regulated by the government to ensure they are affordable and to prevent exploitation by private operators.
Beyond festival periods, special bus services are also provided during significant public events, political gatherings, government functions, university reopenings, and examinations. During elections, thousands of buses are deployed to transport election personnel, police forces, and materials to polling stations throughout the state. Likewise, for major religious events such as the Mahamaham festival in Kumbakonam or the Velankanni Church festival, special buses facilitate safe and efficient transportation for pilgrims.
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To ensure the effective operation of these services, transport officials, traffic police, and volunteers are stationed at key bus stands. They assist in managing vehicle flow, offering guidance to passengers, and maintaining order. CCTV surveillance and public address systems are also set up at major locations to improve passenger safety and facilitate information dissemination.