To accommodate the overwhelming demand, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) has deployed an impressive 20,378 special bus services originating from Chennai. These services, in addition to the regular fleet of 2,092 buses, are working tirelessly to transport passengers to various districts across the state, particularly the southern and western regions.

Official data reveals that in the last three days alone, over 615,000 passengers have utilized government bus services departing from Chennai. On a single Saturday, approximately 256,000 passengers traveled via a combination of regular and special bus services. Despite these extensive arrangements, bus terminals remain exceptionally crowded, with many passengers facing extended waiting times.

The railway stations, including Chennai Central, Egmore, and Tambaram, are equally congested. All trains heading south are reportedly operating at full capacity. The increase in private vehicles has also contributed significantly to traffic jams on major routes like GST Road, creating slow-moving queues of vehicles extending for miles.

Estimates suggest that around 1.8 million people have already departed Chennai for Deepavali celebrations in their hometowns. This figure breaks down into approximately 950,000 by train, 615,000 by government buses, 200,000 by omnibuses, and 150,000 by private cars, highlighting the immense scale of Diwali travel.

Diwali, a major Indian festival, invariably leads to heightened traffic in urban centers. With numerous individuals traveling to meet family, engage in festive shopping, and attend celebrations, the roads become exceptionally crowded, resulting in considerably slower commutes and extended travel durations.

Authorities are implementing robust traffic management strategies to mitigate the chaos. Additional personnel have been deployed, and special traffic regulations are in effect. According to senior police officials, maximum staff deployment is a priority, with on-the-spot fines being issued for traffic violations. Patrols are active, and efforts are underway to clear illegally parked vehicles to improve flow. Dedicated traffic plans have been devised for popular shopping districts like Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, and Connaught Place, ensuring smoother movement within these busy zones.

Furthermore, enhanced parking facilities have been established. Recognizing the increased risks during the festive season, special drives are being conducted to combat drunk driving. Teams equipped with alcohol meters are actively monitoring roads and setting up checkpoints in coordination with local police to prosecute offenders.

Online users shared their experiences, with many highlighting the severity of the jams. Some opted for public transport like the metro to bypass the gridlock, while others expressed frustration over the extended delays and the impact on daily commutes. Concerns were also raised about traffic being stalled at entry points due to toll collection, contributing to immense waste of time and fuel.